Some of the best places for diving in Southeast Asia are in Malaysia, including the Perhentian Islands, Tioman, and Sipadan. Many divers are interested in the possibility of finding the Giant Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), though the combination of coral reef, sea turtle and reef shark visitors, these waters are renowned for. The answer is yes—but only on very rare occasions.
Are Ocean Sunfish Found in Malaysia?
Ocean Sunfish are not residents of the Malaysian waters. These gigantic deep-water pelagic fishes prefer to live in deep-seated cool waters of oceans and surface at the sea surface to hunt for their prey, mostly jellyfish and other soft or gelatinous bodies.
The temperature in Malaysia’s coastal waters ranges between 28°C and 30°C in general, which is quite warm to maintain an equilibrium population. This species is, however, rare offshore and could be encountered, though very rarely, within this zone.
Where Can You Spot an Ocean Sunfish in Malaysia?
The best places to find Ocean Sunfish are the deeper waters found off of Sabah. The waters are amazing and stunning at dive sites that lie around Sipadan Island, Layang-Layang Atoll and at the far end with the Spratly islands, down there are steep walls going down for hundreds of metres into the sea. The over deep areas do have occasional cold water upwellings which bring pelagic species up from the depths.
The majority of sunfish seen here are thought to be transiting through the South China Sea and not resident. Sightings, as a consequence, therefore, are unpredictable and still happen more as a matter of luck than seasonal planning.
Why Are Ocean Sunfish Rare in Malaysian Waters?
Ocean Sunfish are extremely specialized creatures found in different oceans, other than cool and nutritious. They frequently dive to great depths, eating jellyfish, siphonophores and salps before coming up to the surface, for them to soak up the sun, and to have cleaner fish clean their skin, removing parasites.
However, mushroom shrimp are seldom seen in Malaysian seas as there are not enough jelly fish in them to provide the thick fields of zooplankton which they need in order to survive. In combination with persistently warm tropics, this renders Malaysia as the wrong habitat for an Mola mola as an inhabitant forever.
Where Should Divers Go for Better Chances?
Ocean Sunfish sightings will be much more favorable elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The Indonesian island of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are considered among the best places to see Mola mola in the waters, peaking from July to October, when cooler, upwelling waters come to the islands.
An alternative excellent choice is Tubbataha Reefs Natural park in the Philippines where liveaboard dives in March-June sometimes catch sight of those extraordinary species on deep offshore walls.
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What Should You Do If You Spot One?
It is significant to see an Ocean Sunfish in Malaysia. When diving, record location of the sighting, approximate depth, water conditions and, if at all possible, photographs should not be in any way disruptive to the animal. The report of the observation to an organisation pertaining to marine conservation like Reef Check Malaysia or Sabah Parks Authority also will contribute to the research of changing migration patterns in the region.
Despite the fact that Ocean Sunfish is one of the rarest marine sightings in Malaysia, the waters of the country still provide you with unforgettable experiences with whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and hammerhead sharks, making it one of the best diving countries in Asia.
FAQs
Are you able to find Ocean Sunfish in Malaysia?
Yes, but they are very seldom seen. Ocean Sunfish are ‘visitors’ occasionally seen in deep offshore areas around Sabah, but do not live in Malaysia permanently.
Where’s the best place to catch Ocean Sunfish in Malaysia?
A sighting is most likely in deep offshore waters in Sabah including Sipadan Island, Layang-Layang Atoll where one or two cold-water upwells occur.
Why is there not a lot of Ocean Sunfish in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s tropical waters are hotter than the preferred living conditions of Ocean Sunfish and the same warm water does not offer a sufficient amount of jellyfish, which is required in order to come into existence.
