Mola Mola: dumbest fish in the sea or unrecognised genius

Super clever or very very dumb?

Mola mola, also known as the ocean sunfish, are peculiar-looking creatures. Their massive, flattened bodies and perpetually surprised expressions often lead people to underestimate their intelligence. But don't let their unusual appearance fool you - these gentle giants are more than just a floating buffet for parasites.

Brains and Brawn

While it's true that Mola mola have a relatively small brain compared to their massive size, this doesn't necessarily equate to a lack of intelligence. In fact, they exhibit several complex behaviours that suggest a certain level of cognitive ability.

Complex Behaviors

Mola mola are capable of navigating vast ocean distances during their migrations. They also demonstrate an understanding of their environment when foraging for food, which primarily consists of jellyfish.

Furthermore, their interactions with cleaner fish, where they allow smaller fish to pick parasites off their bodies, suggest an awareness of their own needs and the benefits of cooperation. Seagulls also clean the Molas. The Seagulls eat the larger copepod-type parasites on the Mola’s body.  As the Mola lay on its side on the surface of the water, the seagull can rest on the Mola’s body and pick at the parasites. This type of collaboration between fish and birds is pretty rare.

Another behaviour displayed by the Mola is their rewarming behaviour. Molas can dive to depths of over 600 meters. The water temperature at these depths can be icy cold. The Mola mola is believed to thermoregulate. The big fish lays on its side on the water’s surface or stays in shallow warm waters to reregulate their body temperature ( that is when you may get a chance to spot them in Nusa Penida).

Challenging Perceptions

It's important to remember that intelligence manifests in various ways. While Mola mola may not be solving complex mathematical equations, their ability to adapt, learn, and interact with their environment demonstrates a form of intelligence that is perfectly suited to their unique lifestyle.

A 5g brain in a 200 kg body, and yet....

Further Exploration

The intelligence of mola mola is still a topic of ongoing research. Scientists are continually uncovering new insights into their behaviour and cognitive abilities. So, the next time you see a Mola mola basking in the sun, take a moment to appreciate the complex intelligence hidden beneath that unusual exterior.