Journal article 1559 views
The biology and ecology of the ocean sunfish Mola mola: a review of current knowledge and future research perspectives
Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Volume: 20, Issue: 4, Pages: 471 - 487
Swansea University Authors:
Graeme Hays, Victoria Hobson, Ed Pope
Full text not available from this repository: check for access using links below.
DOI (Published version): 10.1007/s11160-009-9155-9
Abstract
<p>Relatively little is known about the biology and ecology of the world's largest (heaviest) bony fish, the ocean sunfish Mola mola, despite its worldwide occurrence in temperate and tropical seas. Studies are now emerging that require many common perceptions about sunfish behaviour and...
| Published in: | Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries |
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| ISSN: | 0960-3166 1573-5184 |
| Published: |
2010
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa6123 |
| Abstract: |
<p>Relatively little is known about the biology and ecology of the world's largest (heaviest) bony fish, the ocean sunfish Mola mola, despite its worldwide occurrence in temperate and tropical seas. Studies are now emerging that require many common perceptions about sunfish behaviour and ecology to be re-examined. Indeed, the long-held view that ocean sunfish are an inactive, passively drifting species seems to be entirely misplaced. Technological advances in marine telemetry are revealing distinct behavioural patterns and protracted seasonal movements. Extensive forays by ocean sunfish into the deep ocean have been documented and broad-scale surveys, together with molecular and laboratory based techniques, are addressing the connectivity and trophic role of these animals. These emerging molecular and movement studies suggest that local distinct populations may be prone to depletion through bycatch in commercial fisheries. Rising interest in ocean sunfish, highlighted by the increase in recent publications, warrants a thorough review of the biology and ecology of this species. Here we review the taxonomy, morphology, geography, diet, locomotion, vision, movements, foraging ecology, reproduction and species interactions of M. mola. We present a summary of current conservation issues and suggest methods for addressing fundamental gaps in our knowledge.</p> |
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| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Issue: |
4 |
| Start Page: |
471 |
| End Page: |
487 |