‘Black demon fish’ captured for first time on video: Here's what it looks like

Researchers believe that they have recorded the first-ever sighting of an adult abyssal anglerfish, also known as ‘black demon fish’ or ‘black seadevil fish’, in broad daylight. The creature was spotted off the coast of Tenerife, Spain.

Marine photographer David Jara Boguna shared a clip of the creature on Instagram. and called the discovery “surprising”. He added that few people will have the privilege of seeing this “legendary fish” alive.

In the video, a dark brown coloured fish is seen swimming upwards, with its mouth open. Its irregular, sharp teeth are visible in the clip.

Where was the fish found?

Boguna and some researchers from the non-governmental organisation Condrik-Tenerife captured the video of the black demon fish a few days ago. It was swimming 2-km from the coast of Tenerife while the researchers were on a shark research trip.

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Why is the sighting unique?

The humpback anglerfish or black seadevil fish is believed to live on the seabed between 200 and 2000 metres deep. Described as a “true-blue predator,” it uses its dorsal appendage, which is full of bioluminescent symbiotic bacteria, to attract prey.

The unsuspecting fish wander close to the black demon fish, believing its dorsal appendage to be bait. The technique is similar to the one shown for the fish in the animated film ‘Finding Nemo’.

The fish has evolved to live in the deep sea, where little sunlight penetrates. It’s discovery so near the coast has surprised scientists.

Previous sightings of the black demon fish have been limited to clips filmed with submarines, larvae, and dead adult specimens.

Why was the fish so close to the surface?

The exact reason is unknown. It is believed that the fish might have travelled so far due to several factors such as illness, a change in current, or fleeing from a predator.

According to Jerusalem Post, the fish was injured and died a few hours after being found near the surface. The body of the creature was shifted to Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Museum of Nature and Archaeology for further analysis.

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What is the usual habitat of the black demon fish?

The fish lives in tropical and subtropical seas around the world. It is the first time it was sighted near the coast of Tenerife, Spain.

FAQs

1. What is the scientific name of the demon fish?
It is classified as “Melanocetus johnsonii”.

2. What does the term Melanocetus mean?
The genus "Melanocetus" means "black sea monster".