| Olympian Matt Biondi and spotted dolphin, Bahamas Banks | The California seal lion (Zalophus californianus) is found at Guadalupe Island, frequenting the offshore islets, especially Isla Afuera where the above photograph was taken. California sea lions are generally much bolder and more comfortable with divers than are Guadalupe fur seals. | West Indian Manatee, Florida Springs | Yellowfin tuna and spearfisherman, Guadalupe Island | Kelp is bent back by strong currents | Blue shark, California, offshore | Giant Pacific manta ray and freediving videographer, Revillagigedos | Long dorsal and anal fins are the mola's principal source of locomotion -- they are flapped from side to side.
The nearest relative to Mola mola is Ranzania laevis, the slender mola. Found in the tropical and subtropical Pacific, Ranzania is rarely seen north of Mexico. Up to 2 feet (.6m) in size, its aspect ratio is "longer" than is the nearly circular Mola mola. Neither species of mola is to be confused with the tiny, freshwater "sunfish", a completely different animal. | Olympian Mikako Kotani and spotted dolphin, Bahama Banks | Scientist conducting coral survey, Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa | Kelp forest, California | Garibaldi, California | Cyclosalpa salp chain, California, offshore | Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) dwarfs freediving photographer, offshore, California | Olympian Mikako Kotani and spotted dolphin, Bahamas Banks | Freediver soars over sand flats with huge monofin, Bahama Banks |
