A team of researchers captured footage of a black seadevil fish, also known as a humpback anglerfish, swimming near the ocean’s surface off the coast of Spain’s Canary Islands. The sighting is believed to be the world’s first-ever recorded observation of an adult black seadevil in broad daylight and on the surface.
The team, led by marine life photographer David Jara Boguñá, was researching sharks when they encountered the fish. According to their report, the female humpback anglerfish emerged from the abyss about 1.2 miles off the coast of Tenerife in Spain.
The researchers were surprised to see the fish swimming in light-filled waters, and they are unsure why it ventured so far from its usual depths. The team believes that the observation may be due to an illness, updraft, or perhaps fleeing from a predator.
Black seadevils are known for living in the dark depths of the ocean, where they can reach depths of up to 15,000 feet. However, this sighting marks a rare exception to their usual habitat. The fish’s ability to attract prey with its bioluminescent lure is well-documented, but it is unusual to see one swimming near the surface.
The team’s discovery has sparked interest and will be remembered forever. It highlights the complexity and mystery of marine life, and how much we still have to learn about these incredible creatures.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-black-seadevil-anglerfish-swim-ocean-surface