The moonfish, or mola mola, is a rare and unique fish species found in Vietnam. To learn more about this fascinating fish, join us as we explore its characteristics, habitat, and more in the article below.

1. What is a Moonfish?

What is a Moonfish?

Origin of Moonfish

Scientifically known as Mola mola, moonfish belong to the order Tetraodontiformes, which includes pufferfish and sunfish. They are typically found in deep, cold waters.

In languages such as Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, and Dutch, this fish is called moonfish, likely due to its round shape resembling a full moon. However, in English, it is commonly referred to as an ocean sunfish because of its tendency to swim close to the surface, appearing to sunbathe.

Characteristics of Moonfish

Moonfish are known for their enormous size, with a short, oval-shaped body that is laterally compressed. Their skin is thin but has a rough texture. The upper part of their body is usually gray or brown, while the underside is lighter.

The rear of the moonfish features two short, symmetrical dorsal and anal fins. Their most distinctive features include a small mouth and gill slits. Despite their massive size, moonfish move slowly due to their short body shape, which limits their swimming ability. As a result, they often relax and allow their bodies to drift with the current, tilting to one side.

Habitat of Moonfish

Moonfish are saltwater fish and are found in tropical oceans worldwide. They can survive at depths of around 200 meters and have been known to dive as deep as 600 meters below the ocean’s surface.

Due to their gentle nature and short, round body shape, moonfish rarely attack other creatures in the deep sea. In Vietnamese waters, moonfish are extremely rare and are therefore on the red list of protected species, with fishing and hunting prohibited to ensure their survival.

2. Can Moonfish Be Eaten?

Can Moonfish Be Eaten?

Some people may be hesitant to consume moonfish due to their unusual and unappetizing appearance, and they may believe that the fish could be poisonous. However, it is important to know that moonfish are not toxic and are safe to eat. Nevertheless, hunting and consuming moonfish are prohibited in several countries, including Vietnam, due to their rarity and protected status.

3. Moonfish Price and Availability

Moonfish Price and Availability

Moonfish are considered extremely rare in Vietnamese waters, and they are on the red list of protected species.

As a result, any attempts to catch or trade these fish should be prevented to ensure their conservation. Therefore, information about their market price or availability in Vietnam is not accessible.

We hope you found this article informative and interesting. If you enjoyed reading about the fascinating moonfish, please share it with your friends and family!

Frequently asked questions

The moonfish, also known as the opah, is a large, deep-bodied pelagic fish found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. It is the only known fully warm-blooded fish, capable of maintaining a body temperature higher than that of the surrounding water.

Yes, moonfish are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture, and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, and poaching.

Moonfish are opportunistic feeders, mainly feeding on crustaceans, cephalopods, and small fish. They are known to be particularly fond of squid, which makes up a significant portion of their diet.

Moonfish can be found in oceans worldwide, but they are most commonly found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They typically prefer deeper waters, ranging from 200 to 500 meters in depth, and are often associated with underwater canyons and seamounts.

Moonfish can reach impressive sizes, with adults typically ranging from 50 to 90 cm in length, and weighing up to 27 kg. They are characterized by their deep, laterally compressed bodies, large eyes, and distinctive silvery-white coloration with iridescent hues.
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