mola
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Definition
Noun 1. A very large, flat, pelagic ocean fish: "Mola" refers to any of several species of extremely large, slow-moving fish that live in the open ocean. They have a distinctive, almost circular, laterally compressed body that appears truncated, with very tall dorsal and anal fins. Their caudal (tail) fin is reduced, giving them a rudder-like appearance. They are found in warm and temperate seas worldwide.
Examples
- The mola, also called the ocean sunfish, is often seen basking on its side at the water's surface.
- Scientists were amazed by the size of the mola they encountered during their research expedition.
- Despite its enormous size, the mola feeds primarily on jellyfish.
Advanced Usage
- The term "mola" is often used interchangeably with the common name "ocean sunfish." In scientific contexts, it specifically refers to fish of the family and the genus .
- The behavior of "basking" is frequently associated with the mola, as it is commonly observed lying on its side at the surface, possibly to regulate body temperature or allow seabirds to clean parasites from its skin.
Variants and Related Words
- Ocean sunfish: The most common English name for the mola.
- Molidae: The scientific family name that includes molas and their relatives.
- Mola mola: The binomial (scientific) name for the most common species of ocean sunfish.
Synonyms
- Ocean sunfish
- Headfish (a less common name, referring to its unusual body shape)
Related Phrases and Idioms
(This word does not commonly appear in English idioms or phrasal verbs due to its specific zoological reference.)
Noun
- among the largest bony fish; pelagic fish having an oval compressed body with high dorsal and anal fins and caudal fin reduced to a rudder-like lobe; worldwide in warm waters