When searching for something hard to find expressions such as rare as hen’s teeth or, perhaps, rare as a four-leaf clover might be used (for decency’s sake we will avoid reference to rocking horses!).
To add a diving twist you could maybe say – “as rare as a Mola Mola in the Red Sea”.
However, that is just what guests on Emperor Elite came across during a recent trip with us. Two Mola Mola, up close, swimming around at the Brother Islands.
Thankfully for those of us not lucky enough to be there, Damian Groves captured some amazing footage of these ocean giants passing by during a dive on our Famous Five itinerary.
In fact, they encountered the pair not once, but twice. Having been taken aback by an initial meeting with the Mola Mola (or ocean sunfish as they are also known), they were graced by their presence once more while finishing up a dive on the beautiful wreck Numidia.
It would be a really special experience anywhere in the world but made more amazing by the unexpected nature of their appearance in the Red Sea.
More commonly found in other parts of the world’s oceans – such as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans – when they are seen in the Red Sea, it is typically during seasonal movements or migrations.
Indeed, such a sighting is so uncommon in this area the Emperor Elite guests’ experience even made the local news!
So, how about some fun facts to celebrate this out-of-character appearance? Well, let’s start with the origin of its names.
The Mola Mola tag comes from the latin for millstone – earned because its distinctive appearance of grey colouring and a body shape which is flat and round with long dorsal and anal fins.
It’s also known as the ocean sunfish because it spends time floating near the surface of the ocean as though it is basking in the sunshine. The real reason for this activity, however, is to encourage seabirds to descend and feast on the parasites that inhabit its flesh.
In terms of size it is the heaviest bony fish in the world. They can weigh over 2,000kg (4,400lbs) and grow up to 3.3 metres (11 feet) in length.
And as for their habitat? Well, you’re more likely to see them on one of our Indonesia or Maldives cruises but for as long as they fancy visiting the Red Sea we’re more-than-happy to see them.
We can’t promise Mola Mola but if you would like to know more about our Red Sea itineraries, please get in touch with our wonderful team on [email protected] and they will be delighted to help