Mola mola
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
July - October
Depth Range
10-200 meters
The ocean sunfish, or mola mola, is one of the most bizarre and sought-after marine encounters in Komodo National Park. As the heaviest bony fish in the world, reaching weights of over 2,000 kilograms, the mola mola's flattened, disc-like body and truncated tail make it look like a fish that was cut in half. In Komodo, mola mola sightings are seasonal and closely tied to cold water upwellings that bring nutrient-rich deep water to the surface. These deep-water visitors rise to shallower depths at cleaning stations where small fish remove parasites from their massive bodies. The southern dive sites of Komodo, particularly around Nusa Kode and the deeper areas near Cannibal Rock, are the most reliable locations for encounters. Mola mola season in Komodo typically runs from July to October, when water temperatures drop and these gentle giants ascend from the depths. Encountering a mola is one of those once-in-a-lifetime diving moments.
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Average Size
1.5-2m
Size Range
1-3.3m
Maximum Size
3.3m, up to 2,300kg
Feeds primarily on jellyfish, salps, and other gelatinous zooplankton. Also consumes small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Despite their enormous size, they rely on soft-bodied prey.
The ocean sunfish, or mola mola, is one of the most bizarre and sought-after marine encounters in Komodo National Park. As the heaviest bony fish in the world, reaching weights of over 2,000 kilograms, the mola mola's flattened, disc-like body and truncated tail make it look like a fish that was cut in half. In Komodo, mola mola sightings are seasonal and closely tied to cold water upwellings that bring nutrient-rich deep water to the surface. These deep-water visitors rise to shallower depths at cleaning stations where small fish remove parasites from their massive bodies. The southern dive sites of Komodo, particularly around Nusa Kode and the deeper areas near Cannibal Rock, are the most reliable locations for encounters. Mola mola season in Komodo typically runs from July to October, when water temperatures drop and these gentle giants ascend from the depths. Encountering a mola is one of those once-in-a-lifetime diving moments.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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The peak season runs from July to October, coinciding with cold water upwellings from the south. Water temperatures in the southern sites can drop to 18-22°C during this period, which brings the mola up from the deep.
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