In a remarkable marine sighting, Captain Omar Marcho, founder of the“Lebanese Fishing Channel”, documented the appearance of a Mediterranean sunfish (Mola mola) off the Lebanese coast, between Jdeideh and Dbayeh. This extraordinary moment quickly captured the attention of environmentalists, divers, and scientists, adding to Lebanon’s growing record of rare marine biodiversity encounters.
The Mediterranean sunfish, known locally as سمكة الشمس, is one of the heaviest bony fish in the world, capable of weighing over 1,000 kg. Its unusual disk-shaped, flattened body, truncated tail, and large dorsal and anal fins give it a striking, almost prehistoric appearance. Despite its formidable size, the sunfish is considered harmless to humans, feeding mainly on jellyfish, plankton, and small fish.
This species usually inhabits the open ocean, often basking near the surface where it appears to “sunbathe” — hence its common name. To encounter it near the Lebanese shorelines is an exceptionally rare event.
The presence of a Mediterranean sunfish in Lebanese waters is more than just a curiosity — it’s a valuable indicator of ecosystem health and environmental change. Sunfish are known to migrate long distances, and their occasional appearance in the Eastern Mediterranean may reflect changing oceanic currents, shifting prey availability, or warming sea temperatures linked to climate change.
For marine researchers, such sightings provide critical data on migration routes, feeding habits, and the biodiversity of Lebanon’s seas. For the public, it is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary life hidden beneath the surface, and why protecting these ecosystems is vital.
While Lebanese waters are rich in marine life, rare appearances like the Mediterranean sunfish reinforce the idea that the sea still holds countless surprises. For Captain Marchou and the broader Lebanese environmental community, this sighting is both a celebration of natural beauty and a call to action — to strengthen marine conservation, combat overfishing, and reduce pollution threatening the delicate balance of life in the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean sunfish, also called ocean sunfish or Mola mola, is the heaviest known bony fish in the world, with adults weighing up to 1,000 kg or more. It is easily recognized by its flat, disk-shaped body, tiny mouth, and long dorsal and anal fins. Despite its unusual appearance, it is considered harmless and gentle, feeding mainly on jellyfish and plankton.
Sunfish usually live in the open ocean and are not commonly found near the Lebanese shoreline. Their occasional appearance in the Eastern Mediterranean is considered a rare environmental event, often linked to shifts in oceanic currents, prey movements, or climate change.
The sunfish plays an essential ecological role by helping control jellyfish populations, which can otherwise disrupt marine food chains. Its presence also serves as an indicator of ecosystem health, making sightings like this one valuable for both scientific research and conservation awareness.
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