mola

Mola is a term with several distinct meanings. In biology, Mola refers to a genus in the family Molidae that encompasses the ocean sunfishes, among the heaviest known bony fishes. The most familiar species, Mola mola, or the ocean sunfish, has a rounded, laterally compressed body with a high dorsal fin and an equally tall anal fin, and a characteristic clavus—an enlarged, truncated tail formed from the dorsal and anal fins. Individuals can reach substantial sizes, with reports of weights surpassing a thousand kilograms. Mola species are found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. They feed mainly on gelatinous zooplankton such as jellyfish, though their diet also includes small fish and squid. They are known for their habit of basking near the surface and for frequent interactions with ships.

In cultural contexts, mola refers to a traditional textile art created by the Kuna people of the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala), along the Caribbean coast of Panama and Colombia. Molas are reverse appliqué panels made from multiple layers of fabric, cut and sewn to form intricate geometric and figurative designs. They are typically worn as panels on women’s blouses and are also collected as art objects. The craft dates back at least to the 19th century and has evolved to include contemporary motifs and themes.

Other uses of the term are as a surname or place name in various languages, but the two senses above are the most widely recognized.