Yaaaay!!! Thanks!! (I'm just a big ole fish hugger, sorry about that)

Despite everything, I can understand why you wanted to take that picture tho'. And now you've seen something that so many haven't!

I'm also happy to hear that you let it go and that it was still swimming. Very strange fish, but so interesting to see!

Here's a link to the exact fish.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharptail_mola

"The lifespan for this species is estimated to be 85 years for males and 105 years for females."
WOW!

how cool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHHp9iVKiF4

This variety is very common along the Atlantic coastal waters during late summer and fall. Have seen 1/2 dozen in a single day floating along with the currents. They will often swim near your boat and kinda check you out. Also have the ability to leap clear of the water by 5 or 6 feet...hard to imagine seeing as they hardly have a tail for propulsion. Leaping seems to be when frightened or possibly to shake off pesky parasites. Have seen them 4 or 5 times bigger than the one in the photo and they are incredibly heavy.