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Ocean sunfish, Mola mola. Vulnerable
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Ocean sunfish, Mola mola. Vulnerable
Ocean sunfish, Mola mola. Vulnerable. (Sun fish, Tetrodon mola). Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by Edward Donovan from his Natural History of British Fishes, Donovan and F.C. and J. Rivington, London, 1802-1808
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Media ID 23168858
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Donovan Fishes Ichthyology Mola Sunfish Tetraodon Tetrodon Vulnerable
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisitely hand-colored copperplate print showcases the enigmatic Ocean Sunfish, Mola mola, also known as the Common Sunfish or the Molassunner. Depicted here is Edward Donovan's meticulous illustration, drawn and engraved between 1802 and 1808 for his Natural History of British Fishes. Donovan's illustration captures the Sunfish's unique features, including its large, flattened body, dorsal and anal fins that resemble wings, and the prominent spines on its back. The Ocean Sunfish is the heaviest known bony fish, reaching weights up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) and lengths of 10 feet (3 meters). They inhabit temperate and tropical waters worldwide, and are often found near the surface. Despite their impressive size, Sunfish are considered vulnerable due to overfishing and accidental capture in commercial fisheries. Sunfish play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as they are an important food source for larger predators, such as sharks and billfish. They also have a unique feeding behavior, where they swim to the surface to gulp large quantities of water and filter out plankton and small organisms using their gills. This beautiful and intricate print not only serves as a testament to Donovan's skill as an illustrator but also highlights the importance of preserving these fascinating creatures for future generations to appreciate. The Ocean Sunfish, with its unusual appearance and vulnerable status, continues to captivate the imagination and inspire curiosity in the natural world.
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