11.02.2025 15:20
A deep-sea anglerfish, known as the 'Black Sea Devil,' was spotted near the Canary Islands, typically living between 650 and 6,500 feet below the ocean surface. This rare observation was made by the Spanish NGO Condrik Tenerife and marine photographer David Jara Borguña. The research team noted that these types of fish are rarely seen and expressed uncertainty about why the fish was so far from the depths of the ocean.
A deep-sea anglerfish, known for its sharp teeth, was spotted near the surface of the water earlier this month, close to the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa.
The images and photographs were taken by the Spanish non-profit organization Condrik Tenerife, which studies sharks and rays in the Canary Islands, and marine photographer David Jara Borguña.
According to the organization, the fish belongs to the species scientifically known as Melanocetus johnsonii, commonly referred to as the "Black Sea Devil." These fish typically swim at depths between 650 and 6,500 feet (approximately 200-2000 meters) below the ocean surface.
This depth range is known as the Bathypelagic Zone or midnight zone. According to NOAA, the temperature remains stable at this depth—around 4 degrees Celsius—because sunlight cannot reach it.
Water pressure can exceed 5,850 pounds per square foot (approximately 2,650 kilograms).
The research team noted that these types of fish are rarely seen and that they are unsure why the fish was so far from the depths of the ocean.
According to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, only female deep-sea anglerfish have the characteristic lighted protrusion on the front of their faces.
The museum states that bioluminescent bait is the primary method by which anglerfish catch their prey, as it is one of the few light sources in the depths of the ocean.
In an online post, Condrik Tenerife emphasized how rare this observation is, stating, "Until now, records mostly consisted of larvae, dead adults, or specimens seen by submarines during deep-sea scientific explorations."
The research team mentioned in a social media post that this discovery would be "remembered forever."