Holy Mola! Photographer Captures Unusually Large Flat Fish

The images of the elusive and bizarre-looking fish were captured on numerous trips around the world by experienced diver Daniel Botelho. 

With its bulbous eyes, flat body and tiny fins, the ocean sunfish is an unusual sight in the blue waters of California and Bali.

Mola mola are the heaviest known bony fish in the world and can weigh up to 2,000lb and measure up to 6ft in length. 

They spend most of their days in deep and dark waters, they can rise to the surface to be cleaned by other fish and birds.

And while most divers are content to search for sharks and whales, Daniel has spent years photographing the intriguing species.

Despite their large and intimidating presence, he found the large fish to be friendly and gentle – and one even followed him like a pet.

The 34-year-old photographer said: “They are usually very shy but once they get used to you they can follow you like a pet. 

"In my case I had a gentle Mola mola following me all the time, it was following me until the time I got back to the boat. It reminded me of my dog.

“I have a special affection to Mola molas, I love them and I am always looking for the challenge of interacting and photographing these fishes.

“They also cause a huge impact on people and I have several photos that have become viral on the Internet just because people are amazed by the fish's shape.

“Some wrote to me attesting that they never even thought there could be such a fish in the seas.”