Sharptail mola (Masturus lanceolatus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Masturus lanceolatus
- Common name
- Sharptail mola
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Molidae
- Genus
- Masturus
- Size
- 200–340 cm
- Depth
- 0–670 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- solitary, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific
Description
Masturus lanceolatus reaches 3.4 m. Large circumtropical sunfish, distinguished from Mola mola by its caudal fin forming a triangular point instead of being truncated (hence lanceolatus). Gray-silver body, thick rough skin. Lives in open water from 0 to 670 m, often observed at surface facing sun to bask or welcoming cleaner fish. Unpredictable appearances in Azores, Madeira, Red Sea. Feeds mainly on jellyfish. Unforgettable and very rare encounter.
Photo of Sharptail mola
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Sharptail mola?
- Sharptail mola (Masturus lanceolatus) reaches 200–340 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Sharptail mola?
- Sharptail mola is found between 0–670 m deep.
- Is the Sharptail mola dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Sharptail mola?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Sharptail mola?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Molidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127404)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2407925)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia