A rare visit: a 170 cm sunfish documented in the Gulf of Eilat
The sunfish, one of the largest bony fish in the world and a species defined as vulnerable, was documented in the Coral Reserve in Eilat. "I was impressed by the power and presence of this special fish," said the Israel Nature and Parks Authority inspector who documented it.
Following the sun: the team at the Coral Reserve in the Gulf of Eilat was treated to a special encounter with a sunfish (Mola mola), one of the largest and most unique bony fish in the world. Israel Nature and Parks Authority inspector Atilla Sakani entered the water to snorkel and spotted the giant fish.
"I went in for a snorkel near the southern bridge and suddenly I saw the stunning Mola mola, with an impressive size of 1.70 meters. I was moved by the power and presence of this special fish," Sakani recounted with excitement.
It is hard to mistake the identification of a sunfish. It has a large, tall, and very compressed body, prominent dorsal and anal fins, and a unique structure that distinguishes it from almost any other fish. Despite their cumbersome appearance, sunfish are active swimmers, capable of traveling long distances and diving to great depths.
Dr. Asaf Zvuloni, ecologist for the Gulf of Eilat at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, explained:
"The sunfish is a species of the open sea, with a wide distribution in tropical and temperate regions around the world. Despite its wide distribution, it is not a frequent guest in the Gulf of Eilat, and therefore such an observation near the reef is an exceptional and particularly exciting event."
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority adds that the sunfish feeds on a variety of marine creatures, including gelatinous animals, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, making it an important part of the food web of the open sea ecosystem. Beyond being an impressive species, it is important to remember that the sunfish is currently defined as vulnerable (Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List, partly due to bycatch and other threats originating from human activity.
"This encounter is a reminder that even rare and wonderful animals like the sunfish depend on a healthy sea and a protected ecosystem. Protecting the sea is also protecting the special guests who continue to surprise us," said Dr. Zvuloni.
