30 results on '"Molidae"'
Search Results
2. Spatiotemporal segregation of ocean sunfish species (Molidae) in the eastern North Pacific
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Phoebe A. Woodworth-Jefcoats, Kobayashi, Martin C. Arostegui, Peter Gaube, and Camrin D. Braun
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0106 biological sciences ,Molidae ,Ecology ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Ocean sunfish ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Bycatch ,Oceanography ,Geography ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Ocean sunfishes or molas (Molidae) are difficult to study as a result of their extensive movements and low densities in remote waters. In particular, little is known of the environmental niche separation and differences in the reproductive or movement ecology of molids in sympatry. We investigated spatiotemporal dynamics in the distribution of the common mola Mola mola, sharptail mola Masturus lanceolatus, and slender mola Ranzania laevis in the eastern North Pacific. We used observer data from a commercial fishery consisting of 85000+ longline sets spanning 24 yr, >50° in longitude, and >45° in latitude. Satellite altimetry analysis, species distribution modeling, and multivariate ordination revealed thermal niche separation, spatiotemporal segregation, and distinct community associations of the 3 molid species. Our quantitative findings suggest that the common mola is a more temperate species, while slender and sharptail mola are more (sub)tropical species, and that slender (and possibly also sharptail) mola undergo spawning migrations to the region around the Hawaiian Islands. In addition, we identified potential effects of fishing gear type on molid catch probability, an increasing trend in catch probability of a vulnerable species perhaps related to a shift in the distribution of fishing effort, and the possible presence in the fishery of a fourth molid species being misidentified as a congener, all of which are important conservation considerations for these enigmatic fishes.
- Published
- 2020
3. New diet data for Mola mola and Masturus lanceolatus (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) off Florida's Atlantic coast with discussion of historical context.
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Bakenhaster, M. D. and Knight-Gray, J. S.
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MOLIDAE , *OCEAN sunfish , *GASTROINTESTINAL content analysis , *FISH behavior , *FISH feeds , *ZOOLOGICAL specimens - Abstract
Reports on the gut contents of ocean sunfish, Mola mola (Linnaeus, 1758), are rare, and those for sharptail mola, Masturus lanceolatus (Lienard, 1840), are almost nonexistent. Here, we report new diet data obtained during opportune sampling of a small number of stranded specimens of both species, and discuss our data in the context of hypotheses on feeding behavior of M. mola. One specimen of only two M. mola had a gut full primarily of filamentous algae, and the guts of two specimens of M. lanceolatus collectively contained remains of small fish and various invertebrates, indicative of both benthic and pelagic foraging. Our limited data suggest that the diet of M. lanceolatus overlaps that reported for M. mola. At high taxonomic resolution, observed prey items suggest some particulars of our specimens' behavior just before death. We emphasize the importance of meticulous presentation of methods, data, and literature citations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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4. On the presence of an ocean sunfish (Tetraodontiformes, molidae) in the miocene pietra leccese formation of Southern Italy
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Alberto Collareta, Giovanni Bianucci, Mark Bosselaers, Emanuele Peri, and Giorgio Carnevale
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Molidae ,Ranzania ,biology ,Palaeoichthyology ,Masturus ,Paleontology ,Ocean sunfish ,Palaeoecology ,biology.organism_classification ,Tetraodontiformes ,Mediterranean Basin ,Clavus ,Dermal plate ,Mola ,Palaeobiogeography ,Paraxial ossicle ,Oceanography ,Paleoecology ,Geology - Published
- 2021
5. Locomotory Systems and Biomechanics of Ocean Sunfish
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John Davenport and Yuuki Y. Watanabe
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Gelatinous zooplankton ,Molidae ,biology ,Associated morphology ,Ectotherm ,Swim bladder ,Biomechanics ,Fish fin ,Ocean sunfish ,Anatomy ,biology.organism_classification ,human activities - Abstract
The unusual appearance of ocean sunfish and their relatives (Molidae), including exaggerated dorsal and anal fins and a missing caudal fin, raises a question of how they swim. In this chapter, the locomotory systems and biomechanics of ocean sunfish are reviewed based on recent morphological, kinematic, and behavioral studies. Ocean sunfish flap their dorsal and anal fins laterally to produce lift-based propulsion forces, a unique swimming style in which two fins with different origins function as paired vertical wings. The two fins are symmetrical within individuals, despite ontogenetic changes in shape. Unlike many other teleosts with axial musculature that drive caudal fins, sunfish have two sets of muscles, separated by the horizontal septum. These muscles run dorsoventrally to drive the dorsal and anal fins. Aerobic red muscles are located medial to anaerobic white muscles, an arrangement reminiscent of endothermic (i.e., high body temperature) fishes, although sunfish are apparently ectothermic. The thick, white sub-skin layer (hypodermis) has exoskeletal and possible buoyancy functions as well (adult Molidae lack a swim bladder). It is suggested that their conspicuous swimming style and associated morphology enable energy-efficient swimming at a cost of reduced acceleration and manoeuvring abilities, allowing sunfish to search the open ocean for patchily distributed prey (e.g., gelatinous zooplankton).
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- 2020
6. Ocean Sunfish Larvae
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Marko Freese, John P. Ryan, Toshiyuki Nakatsubo, Inga Potter, Marianne Nyegaard, Lea M. Hellenbrecht, Tierney M. Thys, Jonathan L. Whitney, Gento Shinohara, Katsumi Tsukamoto, Rachel Kelly, Tor Mowatt-Larssen, and Lukas Kubicek
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Fishery ,Molidae ,Geography ,Mola ,biology ,Ocean sunfish ,Pelagic zone ,Ichthyoplankton ,Hydrography ,biology.organism_classification ,Predator ,Predation - Abstract
While ocean sunfishes hold the vertebrate record for having the most ova in a single female, information on the natural history of their larvae and juveniles has yet to be collated. This chapter includes the most comprehensive compilation of larval molid records to date, and places the records within a global spatial context. Gathered from natural history museum collections, modern ichthyoplankton sampling efforts and historical records dating back to the 1800s, a total of 452 records were collected comprising 9,770 larvae in total: 285 Masturus, 84 Mola spp., 61 unspecified Molidae and 9,340 Ranzania (340 of which were eggs). Ranzania was primarily reported from the Sargasso Sea, Northern Brazil, Hawai’i and southern Polynesia. Masturus, were reported from the Sargasso Sea and at scattered locations across both Atlantic and Pacific Ocean basins. Lastly, for Mola spp., records existed for Eastern Australia and the Eastern USA. Larval stages of early development for each molid genera are identified, described, and illustrated with original drawings. Larval records also include larvae extracted from the guts of 26 different predator species: 17 large pelagic piscivorous fishes from six families, and nine seabirds species from five families. While this chapter cannot be considered an exhaustive compilation of all molid larval knowledge, it does provide a foundation on which to build a more extensive molid larval database. It also underscores the importance of collecting hydrographic metadata to accompany each record. We hope that future studies can use this review to help locate additional spawning sites and achieve the critical mass of data required for habitat suitability modelling. Such a vantage point would allow an assessment of how spawning sites may be impacted by ongoing environmental and anthropogenic changes and inform management plans.
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- 2020
7. On the Ocean Sunfishes (Mola mola, Linnaeus 1758) By-Caught Off the Mediterranean Coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine
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Hassan G Abu Hatab, Huda E Abu Amra, Mohammed R Al Agha, Kamal E Elkahlout, Kamal J Elnabris, Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou, Tarek A El Bashiti, Mohammed A. Abd Rabou, Mazen TAbualtayef, Mohammed A Aboutair, and Adel J Attallah
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Bycatch ,Mediterranean climate ,Fishery ,Molidae ,Slender sunfish ,Mola ,Geography ,Gaza strip ,biology ,Ocean sunfish ,General Medicine ,Palestine ,biology.organism_classification - Abstract
The Ocean Sunfish or Common Sunfish or Common Mola (Mola mola, Linnaeus 1758) belongs to the Molidae family...
- Published
- 2020
8. Visceral anatomy of ocean sunfish (Mola mola (L., 1758), Molidae, Tetraodontiformes) and angler (Lophius piscatorius (L., 1758), Lophiidae, Lophiiformes) investigated by non-invasive imaging techniques
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Chanet, Bruno, Guintard, Claude, Boisgard, Thierry, Fusellier, Marion, Tavernier, Cédric, Betti, Eric, Madec, Stéphane, Richaudeau, Yvan, Raphaël, Christian, Dettaï, Agnès, and Lecointre, Guillaume
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OCEAN sunfish , *MOLIDAE , *LOPHIUS piscatorius , *LOPHIIDAE , *ANGLERFISHES , *TOMOGRAPHY , *DIAGNOSTIC imaging - Abstract
Abstract: The purpose of this work is to examine the gross visceral anatomy of ocean sunfish and angler using non-invasive imaging techniques: computed tomography imaging (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Similarities and differences in the internal organisation of these two species are verified. Both species lack a swimbladder and present a significant asymmetry in the hepatic lobes, an elongated bile duct terminating close to the stomach, a compact thyroid embedded in a blood lacuna, and very reduced brain and spinal cord. These observations are important in regard to the close relationships between Tetraodontiformes and Lophiiformes, established by several molecular works, but not yet confirmed by morpho-anatomical data. However the occurrence of these features has to be examined in other taxa before phylogenetic hypotheses are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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- 2012
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9. Functional Dorsoventral Symmetry in Relation to Lift-Based Swimming in the Ocean Sunfish Mola mola.
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Watanabe, Yuuki and Sato, Katsufumi
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OCEAN sunfish , *MOLA (Genus) , *FISH behavior , *UNDERWATER acoustic telemetry , *AIR bladders in fishes , *OSTEICHTHYES , *MARINE animal behavior , *MOLIDAE , *ACCELEROMETERS - Abstract
The largest (up to 2 tons) and a globally distributed teleost—the ocean sunfish Mola mola—is commonly regarded as a planktonic fish because of its unusual shape including absence of caudal fin. This common view was recently questioned because the horizontal movements of the ocean sunfish tracked by acoustic telemetry were independent of ocean currents. However, direct information regarding their locomotor performance under natural conditions is still lacking. By using multisensor tags, we show that sunfish indeed swam continuously with frequent vertical movements at speeds of 0.4-0.7 m s-1, which is similar to the records of other large fishes such as salmons, marlins, and pelagic sharks. The acceleration data revealed that they stroked their dorsal and anal fins synchronously (dominant frequency, 0.3-0.6 Hz) to generate a lift-based thrust, as penguins do using two symmetrical flippers. Morphological studies of sunfish (mass, 2-959 kg) showed that the dorsal and anal fins had similar external (symmetrical shape and identical area) and internal (identical locomotory muscle mass) features; however, the muscle shape differed markedly. We conclude that ocean sunfish have functional dorsoventral symmetry with regards to the non-homologous dorsal and anal fins that act as a pair of vertical hydrofoils. Although sunfish lack a swimbladder, we found that they are neutrally buoyant independent of depth because of their subcutaneous gelatinous tissue that has low density and is incompressible. Efficient lift-based swimming in conjunction with neutral buoyancy enables sunfish to travel long distances both horizontally and vertically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2008
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10. Hiding in broad daylight: molecular and morphological data reveal a new ocean sunfish species (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) that has eluded recognition
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Neil J. Gemmell, Neil R. Loneragan, Andrew L. Stewart, Joanne Gillum, Marianne Nyegaard, Yusuke Yamanoue, and Etsuro Sawai
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0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,Molidae ,biology ,Ecology ,Ocean sunfish ,Zoology ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Tetraodontiformes ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,Mola ,Genus ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Taxonomy (biology) ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Meristics ,Clavus - Abstract
The taxonomy of the ocean sunfishes (Molidae) has a complicated history. Currently, three genera and four species are recognized, including two in the genus Mola (M. mola and M. ramsayi). In 2009, a genetic study revealed a potential third species, Mola species C, in Southeast Australian waters. Concentrating on this region, we obtained samples and morphological data from 27 Mola sp. C specimens, genetically confirmed the existence of this species (mtDNA D-loop and cytochrome c oxidase 1), and established its morphology across a size spectrum of 50–242 cm total length. Mola sp. C is diagnosed by clavus meristics [15–17 fin rays (13–15 principal, 2 minor), 5–7 ossicles, paraxial ossicles separate], clavus morphology (prominent smooth band back-fold, rounded clavus edge with an indent), and body scale morphology (raised conical midpoints, non-branching). This species does not develop a protruding snout, or swollen dorso- or ventrolateral ridges. Body proportions remain similar with growth. A review of the historic literature revealed that Mola sp. C is a new, hitherto undescribed species, M. tecta, which we describe and diagnose, and that it is the first proposed addition to the genus Mola in 125 years. Its core distribution is likely in the temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere.
- Published
- 2017
11. Satellite Tracking and Site Fidelity of Short Ocean Sunfish, Mola ramsayi, in the Galapagos Islands
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John P. Ryan, Cesar Peñaherrera-Palma, Kevin C. Weng, Tierney M. Thys, and Alex Hearn
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0106 biological sciences ,Molidae ,Daytime ,Article Subject ,biology ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Ocean sunfish ,Mola ramsayi ,Aquatic Science ,Satellite tracking ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,lcsh:Oceanography ,Oceanography ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,Hotspot (geology) ,Animal Science and Zoology ,lcsh:GC1-1581 ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Geology ,Large size - Abstract
Ocean sunfishes, with their peculiar morphology, large size, and surface habits, are valuable assets in ecotourism destinations worldwide. This study investigates site fidelity and long-range movements of short ocean sunfish, Mola ramsayi (Giglioli 1883), at Punta Vicente Roca (PVR) off Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands. Five individuals were tracked between 32 and 733 days using ultrasonic receivers and transmitters. Two of the 5 were also tracked with towed pop-off satellite tags. One travelled to the equatorial front covering 2700 km in 53 days, with dive depths in the upper 360 m at temperatures between 9.2°C and 22°C. During its westward travel, dives extended to 1112 m (the deepest depth yet recorded for Molidae) into temperatures ranging between 4.5°C and 23.2°C. The remaining four individuals demonstrated site fidelity to PVR and were detected at the site between 128–1361 times for a total of 3557 reports. Forty-eight percent of the reports occurred during daytime hours and 52% after dark. Presumed cleaning session durations had a median of 15 minutes and a maximum of nearly 100 minutes. No other ultrasonic arrays around Galapagos or in the Eastern Pacific regional network recorded the presence of tagged individuals. These data are combined with tourist vessel sightings and submersible observations to confirm Punta Vicente Roca as an important sunfish hotspot.
- Published
- 2017
12. Molecular and Morphological Identification of Mola Sunfish Specimens (Actinopterygii: Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) from the Indian Ocean
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Yoichi Sakai, Yusuke Yamanoue, Juma M. Al-Mamry, Etsuro Sawai, and Laith A. Jawad
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0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,Molidae ,biology ,Ecology ,Actinopterygii ,Zoology ,Ocean sunfish ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Tetraodontiformes ,03 medical and health sciences ,Indian ocean ,030104 developmental biology ,Mola ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Taxonomy (biology) ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
We employed molecular systematic analysis based on mitochondrial D-loop sequences to identify two specimens of ocean sunfish from Omani coastal waters that had previously been identified morphologically as Mola mola (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. ramsayi (Giglioli, 1883). Of the three molecular species that are recognized globally, Mola sp. A, Mola sp. B, and Mola sp. C, we confirmed that both specimens from Oman are Mola sp. A. This result suggested a broader distribution of this species than had ever been thought, but it also revealed a discrepancy between morphological and genetic characters in Mola taxonomy. We reexamined the morphology of the two specimens from Oman to clarify the extent to which the key morphological features correspond with molecular genetic identifications, and discovered errors in the original reports on both specimens.
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- 2017
13. Essential, trace and toxic element concentrations in the liver of the world’s largest bony fish, the ocean sunfish (Mola mola)
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Justin R. Perrault, Andreas F. Lehner, and John P. Buchweitz
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inorganic chemicals ,Sodium ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,Mola ,Animals ,Arsenic ,Cadmium ,Molidae ,biology ,Ecology ,Fishes ,Ocean sunfish ,biology.organism_classification ,Pollution ,Diet ,Trace Elements ,Mercury (element) ,Liver ,chemistry ,Metals ,Environmental chemistry ,Water Pollutants, Chemical ,Selenium ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
No studies document essential (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium), trace (barium, boron, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc) or toxic element (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, thallium) concentrations in any members of the family Molidae, including the world's largest bony fish, the ocean sunfish (Mola mola). Here, we analyzed 21 elements in the liver of one M. mola. These values were compared to liver concentrations in multiple species with spatial and dietary overlap. Concentrations of calcium (3339 ppm wet weight) and iron (2311 ppm wet weight) were extremely elevated in comparison to a number of other fish species, indicating that calcium and/or iron toxicity may have occurred in this animal. Concentrations of toxic elements were generally low, with the exception of cadmium (3.5 ppm). This study represents the first report of essential, trace and toxic elements in this species.
- Published
- 2014
14. PRESENCIA DEL PEZ LUNA MOLA MOLA (LINNAEUS, 1758) (PISCES: MOLIDAE) EN EL DEPARTAMENTO DEL MAGDALENA, CARIBE COLOMBIANO
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Paulo Tigreros, Marcela Grijalba Bendeck, Aminta Jáuregui, and Andrés Franco Herrera
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Molidae ,Geography ,Oceanography ,Mola ,biology ,Ocean sunfish ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Water Science and Technology - Abstract
Information about the ocean sunfish, Mola mola (Pisces Molidae), coming from an individual captured off Los Cocos, northeast Magdalena Department, is presented.
- Published
- 2016
15. Tracking a Marine Ecotourism Star: Movements of the Short Ocean Sunfish Mola ramsayi in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
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John P. Ryan, Mark Erdmann, Kevin C. Weng, Joeharnani Tresnati, and Tierney M. Thys
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0106 biological sciences ,Article Subject ,Mola ramsayi ,Aquatic Science ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,lcsh:Oceanography ,Mola ,lcsh:GC1-1581 ,Reef ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Molidae ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,biology ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Ocean sunfish ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,Bycatch ,Geography ,Habitat ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,Ecotourism ,Animal Science and Zoology - Abstract
Ocean sunfishes, Molidae, comprise the world’s heaviest bony fishes. They include the short mola,Mola ramsayi(Giglioli 1883), an important tourist draw at Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, Bali, where SCUBA divers can observe ectoparasite-laden individuals being cleaned by smaller reef fishes. Despite widespread appeal, little is known about these fishes relative to regional oceanography. We present the first behavioral information for this species anywhere in the world. Satellite tag data indicate a wide thermal range (10–27.5°C) with depth occupation mostly (95%) in the upper 250 m and habitat preference near the bottom of the warm surface layer. One tag popped off as scheduled after 6 months off Nusa Penida, M. ramsayiin eastern regions of Indonesia, such as Alor, behavioral information of this species is essential for effective management and conservation of this valuable marine ecotourism asset.
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- 2016
16. The biology and ecology of the ocean sunfish Mola mola: a review of current knowledge and future research perspectives
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Jonathan D. R. Houghton, Thomas K. Doyle, Graeme C. Hays, Lukas Kubicek, David W. Sims, Edward C. Pope, Nuno Queiroz, Tierney M. Thys, and Victoria J. Hobson
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Fishery ,Bycatch ,Molidae ,Mola ,biology ,Ecology ,Foraging ,Ocean sunfish ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Bony fish ,Deep sea ,Trophic level - Abstract
Relatively little is known about the biology and ecology of the world’s largest (heaviest) bony fish, the ocean sunfish Mola mola, despite its worldwide occurrence in temperate and tropical seas. Studies are now emerging that require many common perceptions about sunfish behaviour and ecology to be re-examined. Indeed, the long-held view that ocean sunfish are an inactive, passively drifting species seems to be entirely misplaced. Technological advances in marine telemetry are revealing distinct behavioural patterns and protracted seasonal movements. Extensive forays by ocean sunfish into the deep ocean have been documented and broad-scale surveys, together with molecular and laboratory based techniques, are addressing the connectivity and trophic role of these animals. These emerging molecular and movement studies suggest that local distinct populations may be prone to depletion through bycatch in commercial fisheries. Rising interest in ocean sunfish, highlighted by the increase in recent publications, warrants a thorough review of the biology and ecology of this species. Here we review the taxonomy, morphology, geography, diet, locomotion, vision, movements, foraging ecology, reproduction and species interactions of M. mola. We present a summary of current conservation issues and suggest methods for addressing fundamental gaps in our knowledge.
- Published
- 2010
17. Phylogenetic relationship of two Mola sunfishes (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) occurring around the coast of Japan, with notes on their geographical distribution and morphological characteristics
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Kenji Gushima, Kotaro Sagara, Masahide Nishibori, Yukiko Yoshita, Hisato Kuniyoshi, Tetsuya Umino, Hiroaki Hashimoto, Yoichi Sakai, and Yusuke Yamanoue
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Molidae ,D-loop ,Mola ,Phylogenetic tree ,biology ,Ecology ,Genus ,Zoology ,Ocean sunfish ,biology.organism_classification ,Tetraodontiformes ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Clavus - Abstract
Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using complete nucleotide sequences of the D-loop in the mitochondrial genome of Mola specimens, collected mainly in Japanese waters, to clarify the genetic features and distribution patterns of Mola sunfishes. Two significantly distinct groups (designated A and B) were present in the genus, with a considerable net nucleotide sequence divergence between the two (8.4%). The two groups occurred sympatrically around the Japanese coast, as previously suggested by Sagara et al. (2005). Group A occurred mostly on the Pacific coast of eastern Japan, while group B was widely distributed along the Kuroshio Current, strongly suggesting different migration routes for each group. The morphological characteristics of the two group specimens were differentiated via the head bump, body proportions and shape of the clavus. Through the addition of Mola sequence data taken from outside Japan to our phylogenetic analyses, three independent groups, including groups A and B, were found, each with a wide geographical distribution, which suggests the presence of at least three independent species within the genus Mola.
- Published
- 2008
18. On the occurrence of ocean sunfish Mola mola and slender sunfish Ranzania laevis in the Adriatic Sea
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Branka Grbec, Frano Matić, Jakov Dulčić, Lovrenc Lipej, G. Beg Paklar, and Mira Morović
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0106 biological sciences ,Molidae ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Ocean sunfish ,Pelagic zone ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Zooplankton ,Fishery ,Mediterranean sea ,Mola ,Slender sunfish ,Oceanography ,Productivity (ecology) ,Environmental science ,14. Life underwater ,Mola mola ,Ranzania laevis ,occurrences ,oceanographic conditions ,Adriatic - Abstract
Presence and habitat preference of two pelagic fish species—Mola mola and Ranzania laevis—are investigated from all available records obtained in the Adriatic from 1781 up to today. Absence of systematic investigations is overcome by relating their occurrences to the long-term meteorological and oceanographic data sets representing local conditions and processes. Seasonal and interannual distributions of these two species are significantly different and point to a possible different causes of their appearance. On the seasonal scale almost all findings of M. mola, with only a few exceptions, are from the warm part of the year, whereas R. laevis is appearing throughout the year with the highest number of individuals in December. Analysis of the interannual meteorological and oceanographic conditions indicates that occurrence of M. mola coincides with the sea warming, whereas the oceanographic conditions favourable for appearance of R. laevis are more complex and could be related to the abrupt change in the large scale atmospheric conditions. Changeable atmospheric conditions coincided with increased productivity in the Adriatic and increased number of zooplankton and small pelagic fish, which are the main food for R. laevis.
- Published
- 2007
19. Confirmation of Mola mola (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) and historical records of ocean sunfishes (Mola sp.) in the coastal area of Uruguay
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Valentina Leoni, Luis Rubio, Wilson Sebastián Serra, G. Nagy, R. Gurdek Bas, L. Sampognaro, A. Cravino, R. Trinchin, and A. Acuña
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geography ,Molidae ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,Ecology ,biology ,Ocean sunfish ,Estuary ,Mola ramsayi ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,biology.organism_classification ,Tetraodontiformes ,Fishery ,Mola ,Water temperature ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Historical record - Abstract
Mola mola is distributed from temperate to tropical oceans. The scarce reports on the occurrence of the species in the Uruguayan coast were based on incomplete morphological studies on collected specimens that could not properly discard the congeneric Mola ramsayi. This work constitutes confirmation of the occurrence of Mola mola in the coastal area of Uruguay, based on morphological characters of a specimen collected in April 2013. The fish occurred 100 m offshore in the Rio de la Plata estuary (at a depth of 5 m), in an area with a water temperature between 19 and 19.5°C. Morphometric data is provided. The specimen is preserved in the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Montevideo (Uruguay).
- Published
- 2015
20. Evolutionary divergence among lineages of the ocean sunfish family, Molidae (Tetraodontiformes)
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Heidi Dewar, J. Todd Streelman, Anna L. Bass, Stephen A. Karl, and Tierney M. Thys
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Molidae ,Ecology ,biology ,Ocean sunfish ,Zoology ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Tetraodontiformes ,Genetic divergence ,Mola ,Sister group ,Genus ,Tetraodontidae ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Ocean sunfish, family Molidae, are enigmatic members of the epipelagic fauna of all tropical and temperate oceans. A study, begun in 1998, initially focused on the population genetics of Mola mola Linnaeus 1758 immediately indicated high levels of genetic divergence in the d-loop and cytochrome b mitochondrial genes. This preliminary effort was expanded to include Masturus lanceolatus Lienard 1840, Ranzania laevis Pennant 1776, and representative sequences of other Tetraodontiformes. Analysis of the sequence data confirms that there are two species in the genus Mola, Mola mola and M. ramsayi Giglioli 1883, with the latter presumed to be limited to the southern hemisphere. There is an indication of inter-ocean subdivision within both species originating 0.05–0.32 and 1.55–4.10 million years ago, respectively. Given limited sample sizes, however, the divergence estimates are minimums and the isolating mechanisms remain speculative. The systematic analysis provided strong support for the sister taxa relationship between genera Masturus and Mola and the basal position of the genus Ranzania within the family, as well as the sister group relationship of the Tetraodontiform families Tetraodontidae + Diodontidae to the Molidae.
- Published
- 2005
21. Mitochondrial genomes and phylogeny of the ocean sunfishes (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae)
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Keiichi Matsuura, Masaki Miya, Harumi Sakai, Masaya Katoh, Yusuke Yamanoue, and Mutsumi Nishida
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Genetics ,Molidae ,Monophyly ,Mola ,biology ,Evolutionary biology ,Phylogenetics ,Ocean sunfish ,biology.organism_classification ,Tetraodontiformes ,Gene ,Genome ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
We determined the complete nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial genomes for the three currently recognized species of ocean sunfish: Mola mola, Masturus lanceolatus, and Ranzania laevis (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae). Each genome contained the 37 genes as found in teleosts, with the typical gene order in teleosts. Bayesian, maximum-likelihood, and maximum-parsimony analyses were conducted with the data set comprising concatenated nucleotide sequences from 36 genes (excluding the ND6 gene) of three molids and four outgroups (three tetraodontiforms plus a caproid). The resultant trees supported monophyly of the Molidae and its intrarelationships ((Mola, Masturus), Ranzania), which were congruent with previous morphology-based hypotheses.
- Published
- 2004
22. Diel movement patterns of ocean sunfish Mola mola off southern California
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Christopher G. Lowe and Daniel P. Cartamil
- Subjects
Molidae ,Ecology ,biology ,Swordfish ,Ocean sunfish ,Pelagic zone ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Water column ,Mola ,Oceanography ,Environmental science ,Diel vertical migration ,Thermocline ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Ocean sunfish Mola mola are a seasonally common inhabitant of southern Californian waters, and comprise the largest bycatch component (29% of total catch) of the California drift gill- net fishery for swordfish. We used temperature and depth-sensing acoustic transmitters to quantify the fine-scale movement patterns of ocean sunfish near Santa Catalina Island, California. Eight ocean sunfish were tracked continuously over 24 to 72 h periods, during which oceanographic data were collected every 2 h. Geographical position and depth of tracked fish were analyzed in relation to oceanographic data and time of day. Ocean sunfish traveled a mean distance of 26.8 ± 5.2 (±SD) km d -1 . Horizontal movements were characterized by a significant decrease in rate of movement (ROM) dur- ing the first 6 h of night (median ROM = 0.76 km h -1 ) (SD = 0.31) as compared to the remaining night- time period (median ROM = 1.00 km h -1 )(SD = 0.39), whereas daytime ROM (median ROM = 1.22 km h -1 ) (SD = 0.58) was significantly higher than either nighttime period. Horizontal movements were highly directional, with angular concentration values (r) as high as 0.765 over the duration of entire tracks. Nocturnal vertical movements were confined to the surface mixed layer and thermocline, while diurnal vertical movements were often characterized by repeated dives below the thermocline. A significant relationship was found between maximum dive depth and the post-dive period spent in the mixed layer, suggesting that ocean sunfish may behaviorally thermoregulate between deeper daytime dives. The observed depth-distribution patterns of ocean sunfish indicate that lowering the depth of gillnets in the water column could significantly reduce bycatch of this species in the California drift gillnet fishery.
- Published
- 2004
23. Predation by White Sharks Carcharodon carcharias (Chondrichthyes: Lamnidae) Upon Chelonians, with New Records from the Mediterranean Sea and a First Record of the Ocean Sunfish Mola mola (Osteichthyes: Molidae) as Stomach Contents
- Author
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Mark A. Marks, Leonard J. V. Compagno, and Ian K. Fergusson
- Subjects
Molidae ,food.ingredient ,biology ,Ocean sunfish ,chemical and pharmacologic phenomena ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Chondrichthyes ,Carcharodon ,Carcharias ,law.invention ,Fishery ,food ,Mola ,law ,Lamnidae ,Turtle (robot) ,human activities ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
The occurrence of marine turtles in the diet of white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, is reviewed worldwide. Four records of chelonians eaten by white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea are described, which on the basis of carapace remnants confirmed both the loggerhead Caretta caretta and green turtle Chelonia mydas to be preyed upon in those waters. The condition of these remains indicates that large white sharks can ingest turtles essentially intact. As well as falling prey to white sharks, we suspect that some interactions involve turtles being ‘grab-released’ in a non-predatory mannner and their survivability from such low-intensity bites or other mouthings may be quite high. The white shark may be the chief marine predator of adult chelonians in the Mediterranean Sea, albeit the impact of this predation upon turtle populations is nominal compared to other sources of mortality. Further, we give an account describing an adult ocean sunfish, Mola mola, in the stomach of a white shark taken in Italian waters.
- Published
- 2000
24. Comment on 'stable isotopes challenge the perception of ocean sunfish Mola mola as obligate jellyfish predators'
- Author
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Kara L. Dodge and John M. Logan
- Subjects
Jellyfish ,Molidae ,Food Chain ,biology ,Obligate ,Ecology ,Ocean sunfish ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Pelagia noctiluca ,Predation ,Perciformes ,Mola ,biology.animal ,Animals ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Trophic level - Abstract
aranta et al. (2012) recently challenged the paradigm that ocean sunfish Mola mola L. 1758 (Molidae) are obligate gelatinovores, basing their conclusion on isotopic differences between M. mola and co-occurring jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea. The sampled M. mola (eight individuals
- Published
- 2013
25. First record of the southern ocean sunfish, Mola ramsayi, in the Galápagos Marine Reserve
- Author
-
Kevin C. Weng, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Tierney M. Thys, Jonathan L. Whitney, Stephen A. Karl, Laith A. Jawad, Alex Hearn, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, and Cesar Peñaherrera
- Subjects
Molidae ,Ecology ,biology ,Marine reserve ,Wildlife ,Ocean sunfish ,Mola ramsayi ,Aquatic Science ,Marine Biology (journal) ,Oceanography ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,Charles darwin ,Environmental science ,Conservation biology ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
tierney m. thys, jonathan whitney, alex hearn, kevin c. weng, cesar pen~aherrera, l. jawad, j. alfaro-shigueto, j.c. mangel and stephen a. karl Ocean Sunfish Research and Tagging Program, 25517 Hacienda Place, Suite C Carmel, CA, 93923, Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai’i, Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne’ohe, HI, 96744, Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, 1088 Academic Surge, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, Oceanography Department, Pelagic Fisheries Research Program, University of Hawai’i, Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador, Natural Sciences, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Tamaki Paenga Hira, The Domain, Private Bag 92018, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, TR10 9EZ, UK
- Published
- 2013
26. Visceral anatomy of ocean sunfish (Mola mola (L., 1758), Molidae, Tetraodontiformes) and angler (Lophius piscatorius (L., 1758), Lophiidae, Lophiiformes) investigated by non-invasive imaging techniques
- Author
-
Guillaume Lecointre, Agnès Dettai, Claude Guintard, Thierry Boisgard, Yvan Richaudeau, S. Madec, Eric Betti, Cédric Tavernier, Christian Raphaël, Marion Fusellier, and Bruno Chanet
- Subjects
Noninvasive imaging ,Tetraodontiformes ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Mola ,medicine ,Animals ,Phylogeny ,Molidae ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,biology ,Fishes ,Ocean sunfish ,Brain ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,General Medicine ,Anatomy ,biology.organism_classification ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Lophius ,Viscera ,Spinal Cord ,Gross anatomy ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed - Abstract
The purpose of this work is to examine the gross visceral anatomy of ocean sunfish and angler using non-invasive imaging techniques: computed tomography imaging (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Similarities and differences in the internal organisation of these two species are verified. Both species lack a swimbladder and present a significant asymmetry in the hepatic lobes, an elongated bile duct terminating close to the stomach, a compact thyroid embedded in a blood lacuna, and very reduced brain and spinal cord. These observations are important in regard to the close relationships between Tetraodontiformes and Lophiiformes, established by several molecular works, but not yet confirmed by morpho-anatomical data. However the occurrence of these features has to be examined in other taxa before phylogenetic hypotheses are proposed.
- Published
- 2012
27. Coris julis cleaning a Mola mola, a previously unreported association.
- Author
-
VASCO-RODRIGUES, Nuno and CABRERA, Patricia M.
- Subjects
- *
WRASSES , *OCEAN sunfish , *FISH behavior , *MUTUALISM (Biology) , *BIODIVERSITY research - Abstract
Le comportement de nettoyage d'un poisson-lune par une girelle a été observé en juin 2015 à La Herradura en Méditerranée (Espagne). Cette interaction a duré plus de 70 secondes durant lesquelles la girelle s'est concentrée sur le nettoyage de la tête et des branchies du poisson-lune, qui est resté immobile pendant tout ce temps. C'est la première mention de ce type d'interaction entre ces deux espèces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
28. First record of Mola ramsayi from the Sea of Oman, Sultanate of Oman.
- Author
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Jawad, Laith, Al-Mamry, Juma, and Al-Kharusi, Lubna
- Subjects
- *
MOLIDAE , *OCEAN sunfish , *SPECIES distribution - Abstract
The first record of the southern ocean sunfish Mola ramsayi in Omani waters is reported based on a single 916 mm total length specimen found stranded on the coasts of Sur City 193 km south of the Omani capital Muscat, 22°35′10.22″N 59°30′18.91″E. This account also represents the third northernmost record of a south ocean sunfish in the Indian Ocean. Morphometric and meristic data are provided and compared with those of 5 specimens caught off United Arab Emirates, Brazil and India. The southern ocean distribution of M. ramsayi is corrected in this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. New Genus of Primitive Ocean Sunfish with Separate Premaxillae from the Eocene of Southwest Russia (Molidae, Tetraodontiformes)
- Author
-
James C. Tyler and Alexandre F. Bannikov
- Subjects
Molidae ,biology ,Ocean sunfish ,Aquatic Science ,Biostratigraphy ,biology.organism_classification ,Tetraodontiformes ,Paleontology ,Extant taxon ,Genus ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Paleogene ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Eomola ,Geology - Abstract
The upperjaws of a fossil fish from the late Eocene of Russia (Kumsky Horizon, North Caucasus) are referred to the Molidae because of their uniquely derived features of highly striated external bone surfaces and laterally elongate trituration teeth, as well as overall morphological similarity to the upper jaws of molids. However, the Eocene upper jaws differ from those of all other fossil (previously known only from the Miocene and Pliocene) and extant molids by having the premaxillae separate and articulated medially by interdigitating processes (versus fused in the midline). The separation of the premaxillae in the new genus and species, Eomola bimaxillaria, is a retention of the plesiomorphic condition found in triodontids and tetraodontids.
- Published
- 1992
30. The Ocean Sunfishes (Family Molidae)
- Author
-
A. Fraser-Brunner
- Subjects
Fishery ,Molidae ,biology ,Ocean sunfish ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Published
- 1952
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