Warning

This information was published in 1966 in An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. It has not been corrected and will not be updated.

Up-to-date information can be found elsewhere in Te Ara.

SUNFISH

(Mola mola).

This giant oceanic fish is not uncommon off the New Zealand coast. It is a lazy swimmer and is usually recognised by the tall dorsal fin, somewhat drooped at the tip, which cleaves the surface. The Auckland Museum has the cast of a specimen stranded at Leigh in 1931 which was 9 ft in height and weighed 10 cwt 7 lb. This fish is harmless.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.

Co-creator

Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.