Elif, Tunç and Benan's Podcast

Welcome back to Giant Craters of the Ocean! This week’s episode takes us under the waves to explore two fascinating marine creatures: the bunnyfish, one of the heaviest in the Western ocean, weighing up to 2 tons and measuring over 3 meters in length; and the monomals, also known as sunfish, whose unique shape is formed by their dorsal and anal fins. These fish spend their days sunbathing on the ocean surface, a trait unlike anything we’ve discussed before.

Though not aggressive towards humans, these creatures can be tricky to Spot due to their fin-like appearance, which resembles shark fins or shark teeth. They’re also intriguing in how they avoid predators—thanks to their thick skin and lack of a swim bladder—they can remain neutrally buoyant while gliding like a paddleboard on the surface.

But don’t think these fish are entirely harmless! Young sunfish have been known to leap up to 3 meters to shake off parasites, famously jumping onto a 4-year-old boy’s boat in 2005. They’re also at risk from predators like bluefin tuna and mahi-mahi, as well as larger predators such as killer whales.

Though their lives in captivity are relatively long—about 10 years—they face uncertain longevity in the wild, with mortality risks including collisions with watercraft. Despite being listed as vulnerable, there’s no active conservation effort to protect them, which is a tragedy given their unique and important characteristics.

So whether you’re a fan of deep-sea exploring or just enjoy a good story about marine life, this episode is packed with wild facts, hidden stories, and a touch of cautionary tales. Thanks for tuning in—we hope you enjoyed the ride!