Home > Animals > Fishes > O > Ocean Sunfish
Ocean sunfish, Mola mola. Vulnerable
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
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
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23168858
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Donovan Fishes Ichthyology Mola Sunfish Tetraodon Tetrodon Vulnerable
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> M
> Mola Mola
> Animals
> Fishes
> O
> Ocean Sunfish
> Animals
> Fishes
> S
> Sunfish
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
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.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
