Unprecedented black devilfish sightings off the coast of Tenerife have sparked scientific intrigue among marine biologists and conservationists. A recent encounter involving Melanocetus johnsonii, colloquially known as the black devilfish, was recorded almost two kilometers from the shore, during daylight—an event considered exceedingly rare for this deep-sea inhabitant.
The sighting occurred on January 26, 2025, near Playa San Juan, according to Condrik Tenerife, a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and conservation of sharks and rays around the Canary Islands. Marine biologist Laia Valor, who was part of the expedition, reported the unusual observation, marking what could be the first known documentation of this fish alive and visible at the surface.
"We saw it when we were coming back to port. I saw something black, which didn’t look like plastic or anything, and it seemed strange. After seeing it, we spent a couple of hours with it. It was damaged and not in good condition, and only lasted alive for a few hours," Valor detailed to EFE.
The black devilfish typically lives at depths ranging from 200 to 2000 meters below the surface, utilizing its bioluminescent dorsal appendage to lure prey, resembling the character from the beloved film 'Finding Nemo.' Valor remarked on the rarity of the observation, stating, "It is not normal. It is a very sporadic observation. We cannot say it does not happen, but if it were occurring on a larger scale, these sightings would happen more often. This could be the first time it's been recorded like this."
Upon the fish's unfortunate death hours later, the researchers carefully collected it, preserving it as specimen for future study at the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Condrik Tenerife noted on their Instagram, "It could be the first recorded sighting of a living black devilfish (Melanocetus johnsonii) during daylight at the surface," emphasizing the significance of the encounter.
The reasons for the fish’s unusual appearance so close to the surface remain unclear. Possible explanations include health issues affecting the fish, upwelling currents pushing it to shallow waters, or even fleeing from predators. Valor expressed, "The causes can be countless—this degree of the anomaly remains misunderstood among scientists and can open avenues for future research. We are left speculating the reasons behind such behavior, as it is highly out of character for this species to venture this close to shore and surface."
Such findings draw the interest of the scientific community, with researchers eager to understand the potential environmental factors at play. The black devilfish’s depiction as both fascinating and fearsome contributes to the mystique surrounding deep-sea creatures, which are seldom encountered outside of exploratory submarine expeditions. The surreal images of this creature swimming during daylight have ignited public interest, leading to discussions about marine ecosystems and the need for continued observation and research.
This unexpected sighting and the ensuing expert dialogue highlight the importance of marine conservation efforts. It also underlines how even rare occurrences like this can spark broader conversations on the health of oceanic environments. With many marine species under threat from climate change and human interaction, every new discovery helps deepen the knowledge base surrounding ocean life and its myriad wonders.
The continued work by organizations like Condrik Tenerife, with the permission of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, ensures there is both public awareness and scientific diligence necessary to protect these ancient species and their habitats. This rare encounter offers not just immediate insights but also suggests avenues for future studies on deep-sea life, prompting experts to continue investigating the mysteries of the ocean.