Molas

The incredible appearance of molas suggests that half of their body is missing, but they have existed in this form for over twelve million years, according to fossil evidence.

Some species of molas actually have a recognizable tail when they are very young, but as they start to develop into adult fish this feature is lost. The tail ends up retained once more into the figure and is traded by a pseudotail, called the clavus. The large dorsal (back) and anal (belly) fins, along with the clavus, help the molas to swim, pushing its body through the water.

This is distinctive from how most fish swim; more often than not, developments of the caudal (tail) balance furnish the capacity that thrusts the beast send.

A Lazy Lifestyle

Molas generally swim gently through the ocean, close to the surface. Frequently, they rest here by lying level on their side, giving the impression that they are burning out or even dead. Such behavior has also been likened to sunbathing, and helps to explain why all four species of these fish are often described as ocean sunfish. Molas may also dive down to the depths of the ocean on occasions, having been recorded as far down as 2,200 feet below the surface.