In the vast expanses of the Pacific, a Southern California photographer, Mark Girardeau, recently shared an extraordinary encounter with a creature that seems straight out of a sci-fi film—the mysterious Mola mola, or ocean sunfish. Known for their peculiar appearance and gentle nature, Mola mola sightings are rare treats, especially when experienced up close in their pelagic habitat miles away from the shore.
The sheer size and distinctive features of Mola molas make these sightings truly special. With flat bodies that appear to be missing their rear ends, huge eyes, and tiny mouths, they traverse ocean currents with an otherworldly grace. Though they might seem clumsy and alien-like, there’s an undeniable beauty in their uniqueness.
Typically, sightings of these docile giants occur from boats due to their preference for pelagic waters. However, Mark Girardeau took his encounter to the next level. Last summer, between Newport Beach and San Clemente Island, Girardeau found himself in the water alongside a Mola mola estimated to weigh an impressive 400 pounds. A mere fraction of their potential weight, as these ocean sunfish can reach a staggering 5,000 pounds.
Describing the surreal experience, Girardeau expressed, “From the surface, you mostly just see the upper fin sticking above the water, but once you jump in when the water is clear, it’s just the craziest experience! The water was still, and the ocean was a deep-blue color that day so you could just swim right over to this massive fish, and it was fine with it.”
The remarkable moment was captured by photographer Delaney Trowbridge, who, like Girardeau, was part of a Pacific Offshore Expeditions journey. Girardeau took to Instagram to share the rare snapshot, stating, “I don’t post many photos of myself, so here it is the real me (on the left)! Thanks to Delaney Trowbridge and her underwater housing for capturing this moment in time.”
Trowbridge, also a captain and skilled photographer, shared her perspective on Facebook, emphasizing the dreamlike quality of the encounter. Her post on June 30 showcased the same Mola mola, accompanied by a pilot fish escort. Describing it as a “dream come true” and a face-to-face meeting with “one of the strangest fish on Earth,” Trowbridge marveled at the ease of plunging into 3,000 feet of open water to swim alongside the majestic creature.
In addition to the Mola mola, Trowbridge noted the presence of a lone pilot fish, a rare species in Southern California, typically encountered in tropical waters. Her sentiments conveyed a sense of swimming in a tropical paradise, reinforcing the idea that encounters with these gentle giants are not only awe-inspiring but also transport individuals to a realm of underwater wonder.
Mark Girardeau’s and Delaney Trowbridge’s remarkable dive with the Mola mola serves as a reminder of the breathtaking beauty that lies beneath the ocean’s surface, showcasing the importance of preserving and appreciating the wonders of marine life.
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