Moonfish vs. Sunfish — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
Moonfish are deep-sea fish with thin, flat bodies, while Sunfish are large, disc-shaped fish found near the surface.
Difference Between Moonfish and Sunfish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Moonfish, also known as opah, reside deep within the oceans, showcasing vibrant colorations. Sunfish, alternatively called mola mola, primarily stay near the surface, presenting an unusual disc-like shape.
Moonfish can exhibit a streamlined body, allowing them to move swiftly through deep waters. Sunfish, with their distinct anatomy, might not be the fastest swimmers but are known for their immense size.
Despite the Moonfish's deep-sea habitat, it has a warm-blooded nature. Sunfish, on the other hand, can often be spotted basking in the sun, lending to their name.
Both Moonfish and Sunfish are unique to marine environments, but they thrive in different depths and have distinct features that set them apart.
Comparison Chart
Common Name
Opah
Mola Mola
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Habitat
Deep-sea
Near surface
Body Shape
Thin, flat
Large, disc-shaped
Thermal Nature
Warm-blooded
Cold-blooded
Typical Behavior
Swift swimmer
Often basks in sun
Compare with Definitions
Moonfish
Possesses large, round pectoral muscles.
The Moonfish's pectoral muscles contribute to its agility in water.
Sunfish
A large marine fish with a disc-like shape.
While snorkeling, we encountered a massive Sunfish near the surface.
Moonfish
Recognized for its thin, flat body.
The unique body of the Moonfish allows it to swim swiftly.
Sunfish
Commonly known as Mola Mola.
I learned that another name for Sunfish is Mola Mola during the marine biology lecture.
Moonfish
A deep-sea fish known for its vibrant coloration.
I was amazed to see a Moonfish in the deep-sea exhibit.
Sunfish
Often spotted basking in the sun, hence the name.
It's common to see a Sunfish soaking up sunlight near the water's surface.
Moonfish
Often referred to as Opah.
The chef prepared a dish using Moonfish, or as some call it, Opah.
Sunfish
Possesses a unique rudder-like tail.
The Sunfish's tail helps it navigate despite its bulky size.
Moonfish
Any of several carangid fishes chiefly of the genus Selene, found in warm coastal waters of North and South America and having a short silvery compressed body.
Sunfish
Can be one of the heaviest known bony fishes.
The size of the Sunfish is astounding; it's among the heaviest of bony fish.
Moonfish
See opah.
Sunfish
Any of various North American freshwater fishes of the family Centrarchidae, having laterally compressed, often brightly colored bodies and including the crappies, black bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed.
Moonfish
Any of various flat, oval marine fish species.
Sunfish
Any of several large marine fishes of the family Molidae, especially the ocean sunfish.
Moonfish
Family Monodactylidae (pl=es, pl=es)
Sunfish
Any of various small freshwater fishes of the family Centrarchidae, often with iridescent colours and having a laterally compressed body.
Moonfish
Mene maculata, of tropical coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific
Sunfish
Any of various large marine fishes of the family Molidae that have an oval compressed body.
Moonfish
Most species of genus Selene
Sunfish
(intransitive) Of an animal such as a bull or a horse: to twist the body into a crescent shape and roll back and forth.
Moonfish
(Chaetodipterus faber)
Sunfish
A very large oceanic plectognath fish (Mola mola, Mola rotunda, or Orthagoriscus mola) having a broad body and a truncated tail.
Moonfish
Family Molidae (ocean sunfish)
Sunfish
The lean flesh of any of numerous American perch-like fishes of the family Centrarchidae
Moonfish
The opahs in the family Lamprididae.
Sunfish
Among the largest bony fish; pelagic fish having an oval compressed body with high dorsal and anal fins and caudal fin reduced to a rudder-like lobe; worldwide in warm waters
Moonfish
The cusk (Brosme brosme), a North Atlantic cod-like fish in the ling family Lotidae, the only species in its genus.
Sunfish
Small carnivorous freshwater percoid fishes of North America usually having a laterally compressed body and metallic luster: crappies; black bass; bluegills; pumpkinseed
Moonfish
The southern platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus)
Moonfish
An American marine fish (Vomer setipennis); - called also bluntnosed shiner, horsefish, and sunfish.
Moonfish
Any of several silvery marine fishes with very flat bodies
Moonfish
Large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea fish of Atlantic and Pacific and Mediterranean
Moonfish
A fish that is warm-blooded, unlike many other marine species.
It's fascinating that the Moonfish is warm-blooded, allowing it to survive in colder depths.
Common Curiosities
Where are Moonfish typically found?
Moonfish are deep-sea fish.
Why are Sunfish often seen near the surface?
Sunfish are often spotted basking in the sun, hence their name.
What is another common name for the Moonfish?
The Moonfish is also known as Opah.
How does the body shape of a Moonfish differ from that of a Sunfish?
Moonfish have thin, flat bodies, while Sunfish have large, disc-shaped bodies.
Is the Moonfish warm-blooded or cold-blooded?
The Moonfish is warm-blooded.
What is another name for the Sunfish?
The Sunfish is also commonly referred to as Mola Mola.
Do Sunfish have a swift swimming ability like Moonfish?
No, due to their unique anatomy, Sunfish aren't known for their speed.
What is unique about the tail of a Sunfish?
The Sunfish has a distinct rudder-like tail.
How does the behavior of a Moonfish in its habitat differ from that of a Sunfish?
Moonfish are agile swimmers in deep waters, while Sunfish often float near the surface.
Why is the Moonfish sometimes referred to as Opah?
"Opah" is another common name for the Moonfish.
How do the sizes of Moonfish and Sunfish compare?
While both can be large, Sunfish are among the heaviest bony fish.
Are Moonfish and Sunfish related?
No, they are distinct species and not directly related.
Which fish, Moonfish or Sunfish, is warm-blooded?
The Moonfish is warm-blooded.
Which fish, Moonfish or Sunfish, can be spotted basking in sunlight?
The Sunfish is often seen basking in sunlight.
Are Sunfish considered a type of moonfish?
No, they are entirely different species.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
