Off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, researchers recently made what may be considered one of the most extraordinary deep-sea discoveries of our time — the sighting of a black seadevil anglerfish. This remarkable find, documented by the non-governmental organization Condrik Tenerife, marks the first-known observation of this elusive species, identified scientifically as Melanocetus johnsonii, swimming alive and unencumbered close to the ocean's surface.
The sighting occurred approximately 1.2 miles off the coast, as the team was engaged in shark research. Marine life photographer David Jara Boguñá, who captured the footage, expressed the gravity of the event, stating, "It could be the first recorded sighting in the world of an adult black devil or abyssal anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii) alive, in broad daylight and on the surface." Notably, evidence of live black seadevils has primarily emerged through submarine imagery taken from the dark depths of the ocean, with past encounters mostly concerning larvae or deceased specimens.
This adult female anglerfish, known colloquially as the black seadevil or black sea monster — due to its gaping jaws and bioluminescent lure — swam within the enticing light-filled waters near the surface, something entirely atypical for the species. Typically inhabiting depths of 330 to 15,000 feet below sea level, the sighting has garnered significant attention among marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts alike.
Initially thought to be akin to the fish depicted in the movie “Finding Nemo,” the humpback anglerfish features distinctive bioluminescent lures, adept at attracting prey even from substantial distances within the perpetual darkness of the Bathypelagic Zone, often referred to as the midnight zone. Describing this fish, Boguñá asserted, "This surprising find did not leave the crew indifferent and will be remembered forever." Such emotion echoes the crew’s awe as they watched the anglerfish swim gracefully before their eyes.
Despite the thrill of discovery, researchers are puzzled by how the fish found itself at such shallow depths. Laia Valor, another member of the research team, elaborated on this puzzling observation, explaining, "We don’t have anything clear, but it’s not normal. It’s a very isolated and sporadic sighting." Speculations suggest multiple possibilities ranging from illness, updrafts from the ocean floor, or perhaps fleeing larger predators.
The anglerfish exhibited well-known traits of its species during the brief time it spent near the surface, only surviving mere hours after the encounter. Reports indicate the fish was examined closely before it succumbed, as Valor recounted, "It was in poor condition and only survived for a few hours." With sustainability of deep-sea species often shrouded in secrecy and myth, opportunities to study them alive provide invaluable insight.
Black seadevils remain true predators of the ocean's depths, primarily residing at significant depths where light does not penetrate. Observations made during this historical encounter suggest their ambush predator nature; they often remain stationary for extended periods, utilizing their lures to attract unsuspecting prey. This behavior, noted Bruce Robison, senior scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, adds to the intrigue when considering why this specimen swam erratically closer to the surface.
Theories from seasoned marine researchers propose potential reasons for the unusual behavior. Robison mused the occurrence of this event may be linked to gas expansion within the anglerfish’s body from consuming another fish, or other oceanic environmental changes due to volcanic activity known to affect regions surrounding the Canary Islands. Such fluctuation could result from warm-water currents rising toward the surface, thereby misleading this deep-dwelling creature.
Although the encounter was brief, the essence of this scavenger's life may continue to contribute to marine science research. Jara indicated the body of the anglerfish was collected and sent to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology of Tenerife for more detailed study. Exploring the black seadevil’s body can shed light on its physiology, diet, and other scientific mysteries tied to its existence.
This unprecedented sighting serves not only as a lesson about marine life but also as a reminder of the incredible diversity lurking within ocean depths. The deep ocean serves as one of the largest unexplored habitats on Earth, hiding secrets about life and survival mechanisms adapted across millennia. It prompts reflection on what other unusual creatures might still be waiting to be discovered just beneath the waves.