The recent surge of emotional TikTok content surrounding the black seadevil anglerfish has captured the hearts of many, illustrating how this rather unusual deep-sea creature morphed from being merely frightening to becoming a source of inspiration and empathy.
Spotted near the surface off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, in late January 2025, the sighting of this fish marked the first time researchers had documented such behavior. David Jara Bogunyà, a marine wildlife photographer, described the scene as "like a dream come true." But this wasn't just another day at sea; it drew widespread attention due to the anglerfish's infamous eerie appearance and its tragic story, which quickly took storm on social media.
This anglerfish, typically found at depths of 200 to 2,000 meters, became widely discussed not only for its unique visual but also for the path it swam toward the light. Unfortunately, the reality was less glamorous than TikTok's emotional narrative suggests. Experts concluded the fish likely swam toward the surface due to illness or being caught up by ocean currents, rather than embarking on some heroic quest. Kory Evans, a fish biologist, noted his surprise about the anglerfish's behavior, adding, "I thought it was AI."
This common phenomenon of projecting human struggles onto animals leads people to empathize deeply with creatures they might otherwise find repulsive. The anglerfish's tragic tale seemed to resonate abundantly, prompting users to share videos of their reactions, with many expressing their sorrow. One user's post emotionally declared, "Sobbing for the anglerfish, and I have no one to talk about it," highlighting the communal feelings incited by the creature's story.
But why did this fish become such a pop culture symbol? It’s partly related to how TikTok crafts narratives around creatures regarded as strange or grotesque. Beyond the emotional appeal, there’s something captivating about how users gravitate toward the oddities of nature. Sajni Kalki, an Abu Dhabi-based environmental specialist, explained, "Moving beyond clinical terms...you now have a softer story about the anglerfish. The community has transformed this story..." TikTok's humanizing approach helps frame the anglerfish as more than just another species lurking at the ocean's depths.
Users began crafting ballads and poems, sharing art and tattoos inspired by the anglerfish, with some invoking poetic imagery reminiscent of historical tales. The narrative echoed the themes of self-discovery and resilience faced by women, who many view the fish as representing strength amid struggle. This symbolic connection, albeit unintentional, sparked creative expressions, making it clear there is power not only behind the fish’s expedience but also the unsettling beauty of its existence.
Yet at the end, the anglerfish did not survive the experience, marking only a fleeting triumph as it returned to darkness rather than basking fully beneath its unexpected star. Nonetheless, the excitement of the encounter birthed connections among viewers, turning the anglerfish’s last hours above water, awaiting the light, as powerful imagery for personal empowerment.
This phenomenon isn't isolated to the anglerfish; TikTok has managed to shine new light on various unconventional creatures. From the melancholic capybara to the inspirational axolotl, psychology expert Tabitha Ashford observed, "People find comfort...in the unexpected narratives these animals seem to tell." These animals become metaphors for hope, vulnerability, and human emotions, showcasing TikTok's power to transform how we perceive our world.
Clearly, through its blend of humor, empathy, and creativity, TikTok has transformed oddities like the anglerfish from monstrous figures to symbols of quiet strength.
While one might find it breathlessly odd to be so captivated by such creatures, the anglerfish's viral story reminds us of the beauty of unexpected connections and narratives woven from life’s vast ocean. Ironically, the story surrounding this little creature stems from our desire to recognize pieces of ourselves within her narrative, helping us navigate our struggles, no matter how deep they may be.