In a major turn of events, a very rare fish, which typically dwells in the deep ocean, was spotted much closer to the surface near the Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa.
The anglerfish, known for its sharp teeth, has gained widespread attention on social media after a Spanish NGO that studies sharks and rays shared viral photos and videos.
According to reports, underwater photographer David Jara Boguñá first spotted the deep-sea anglerfish just 2 kilometers from the coast of Tenerife.
The fish observed is a “black seadevil,” scientifically known as Melanocetus johnsonii.
These fish usually inhabit ocean depths ranging between 650 and 6,500 feet.
The region where the black seadevil resides is called the Bathypelagic Zone, also known as the “midnight zone” because no sunlight penetrates that deep.
In this zone, the temperature remains around 39°F, and water pressure is extremely high.
The research team emphasizes that sightings of this fish are extremely rare, and they remain uncertain as to why it was found so close to the surface.
According to reports, some scientists speculate that during an El Niño event, certain species of this fish may ascend toward the surface because the event reduces cold water upwelling near North America.
Furthermore, only female deep-sea anglerfish possess the glowing lure on their faces.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History explains that this bioluminescent feature helps them attract prey and serves as a source of illumination.
