ocean sun fish

[karmajewell]

Awhile back, my pal Jimmy and I were about 20 yards off the boat launch on one of those lake la jolla days and we came across an ocean sunfish. Also known as a Mola mola. Does anyone know how often these cuties come in close to shore? The viz that day was amazing so I have to wonder am I swimming right by a Mola mola from time to time. hmmmmmmm ???

[divetrippers]

You don't get them all that often close to shore in La Jolla, generally they're pelagic. And awesome.

[torgy]

Wait till you see those things jump out of the water, those things can get some air. You would believe it till you see it with there body shapes.

[Master Duck]

Jimmy here. I was teaching an Open Water class when this Mola Mola came by. It didn't seem to mind us there blowing bubbles and seemed like it was checking us out too. You can usually swim right up to these magestic fish but it is important to remember to never touch a Sun Fish. They have very sensitive skin and contaminants on your hands can cause them to get sick, stressed out, and possible death.