Work

Distribution of Molidae in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: We compiled all available sighting, stranding and bycatch data for the Family Molidae (molas) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) to assess spatial and temporal distribution. Overall, 483 records were collected from shipboard and aerial surveys, fisheries bycatch, and strandings. Molas were recorded year-round, with a ubiquitous distribution in both nearshore and offshore waters. Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) were sighted with greatest frequency during the winter (December thru April) in sea surface temperature < 24° C. Potential reasons for increased sightings during winter may be related to the lack of a well-defined thermocline in the NGOM; the species' "basking" behavior associated with thermoregulation; and oxygen replenishment after long, deep dives to oxygen-deficient depths.

Source: Gulf and Caribbean Research

DOI: 10.18785/gcr.1902.07

Authors: Gregory L. Fulling, Dagmar Fertl, Kevin Knight, Wayne Hoggard

Institutions: NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Fisheries Science Center

Language: English

Topic: Marine animal studies overview

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium