Anglerfish Adventure: Monster fish takes shallow water surprise trip to the Canary Islands
Tue Feb 11 2025
Whoa! Imagine a creature from a deep, dark and cold ocean super zone swimming near the top of the water - this is exactly what scientists experienced off the coast of Africa. This creature was named the "black seadevil. " This particular fish, known as Melanocetus johnsonii, generally hails from 650 to 6, 500 feet below the ocean’s surface. They are commonly found in the Bathypelagic Zone or "midnight zone" as people call it. But this time, it made us wonder. Did something cause this fish to travel to the surface of the ocean? Does this shark have a teenager eager to explore the world of Canary Islands?
The remarkable sighting occurred in the waters near the Canary Islands. It had spotters in awe, as this fish was caught swimming near the surface with unusual timing earlier this month. The water temperature in the Bathypelagic Zone is a chilly 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Water pressure there can reach over 5, 850 pounds per square inch - heavy, right? That means the pressure found below the surface of 6, 500 feet from the oceanis roughly constant, and light doesn't penetrate it which makes it an amazing place.
The footage was recorded by these guys from Condrik Tenerife, along with marine photographer David Jara Borguña. These anglerfish are female, and they boast a unique tool for hunting - a bioluminescent lure. The lure is a fantastic feature of these fish. As a result, these anglerfish can use it to lure creatures to them for a delicious midnight snack.
These kinds of sightings are rare. The last sightings of black seadevil have mainly been of larvae, dead adults, or specimens spotted during deep-sea explorations. This fish, was located extremely far from its typical habitat, which is making scientists and researchers scratch their heads for answers on why this creature would make this trip?
This “black seadevil” is typically always swimming between 650 to 6, 500 feet below the surface. What made this anglerfish take a trip all the way up to the water's surface? Researchers are stumped about the reason as to why it would take its trip all the way to the surface of the ocean. It does, however , makes one wonder: what other challenges does the ocean have to offer for scientists to study?
In the end, this sighting is absolutely one that'll stick in everyone's minds forever. Researchers do not have better explanation for the rare creature yet. There's a ton of ocean life that is yet to be explored and understood. For sure, this is one to share with your friends. Who knew that a shark was so curious?
https://localnews.ai/article/anglerfish-adventure-monster-fish-takes-shallow-water-surprise-trip-to-the-canary-islands-3dc986a9
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questions
If the 'black seadevil' decided to set up a vacation home at the surface, would it need a sun confession
Will humans start seeing black seadevils off the coast of Florida
How does this sighting challenge our current understanding of the depth requirements for this species?
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