Behind the Science with National Systematics Lab Research Zoologist and Curator of Fishes Dr. Katherine Bemis

"Mola molas and More: The Biology of Ocean Sunfishes"

Known for centuries for basking and seemingly sluggish behavior at the water’s surface, recent tagging studies show that ocean sunfishes swim over great horizontal and vertical distances in the water column at higher speeds than previously thought. NOAA and Smithsonian scientists are using new information about their natural history and behavioral ecology to reinterpret the evolution of the many unusual anatomical features of sunfish and its extreme body form.

This month, go behind the science with Dr. Katherine (Kate) Bemis, Research Zoologist at NOAA Fisheries’ National Systematics Lab and Curator of Fishes at National Museum of Natural History who is studying these unusual fishes in the field and in museum collections.

Read more about this work (link to come for NOAA article by end of September).

Registration is encouraged. Space is filled on a first come first served basis. 

Image caption: Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola) have some of the most unusual anatomy and natural history.
Image credit: Copyright Mike Johnson / Earth Window Photography, used with permission
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About the Series:

Behind the Science
A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers

Each month, join the National Museum of Natural History for the new series, Behind the Science, where NMNH researchers share insights into their latest discoveries and explore the fascinating questions driving their work—from the origins of life to the future of our planet. Come learn what’s happening behind the scenes and how science shapes our understanding of the natural world.

Programs take place in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center.
Topics and speakers announced on a rolling basis, but save the dates now!