In what may be the world’s first-ever recorded sighting, a Black Seadevil anglerfish—a deep-sea creature known for living thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface—was captured on camera swimming near the surface off the coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The remarkable discovery was made earlier this month by Spanish NGO Condrik Tenerife and marine life photographer David Jara Boguna during a shark research expedition.

The Black Seadevil, scientifically named Melanocetus johnsonii, is a deep-sea dweller typically found at depths ranging from 650 to 6,500 feet. Its appearance near the surface is highly unusual, and the team speculated that the fish may have been ill or fleeing a predator. Sadly, the anglerfish died shortly after the footage was taken, but its brief appearance alive provided a rare opportunity for researchers to study this elusive species.

The video, shared on Instagram, shows the female anglerfish—often referred to as a “black sea monster” due to its fearsome appearance—swimming in the sunlit waters. The post described the sighting as potentially “the first recorded sighting in the world of a Black Seadevil or adult abyssal (Melanocetus johnsonii) alive, in broad daylight, and on the surface.

A Rare and Fascinating Creature

The Black Seadevil is a striking example of deep-sea adaptation. Females of the species, like the one spotted, are known for their large heads, razor-sharp teeth, and a bioluminescent lure that dangles from their heads like a fishing rod. This glowing lure attracts prey in the dark depths, a behavior famously depicted in the Disney movie Finding Nemo. When prey approaches the light, the anglerfish strikes with its powerful jaws.

Female Black Seadevils are significantly larger and more dominant than their male counterparts, growing up to 7 inches long, while males reach only about an inch and lack the iconic bioluminescent lure. This stark difference between the sexes highlights the unique biology of this deep-sea species.

A Groundbreaking Discovery

The sighting is particularly significant because most records of the Black Seadevil consist of larvae, dead adults, or specimens observed by submarines during deep-sea expeditions. According to Condrik Tenerife, observing the fish alive, even briefly, was a groundbreaking opportunity for marine biologists.

The NGO credited marine biologist Laia Valor with the discovery and noted that the team observed the injured fish for several hours before it succumbed to its condition. While the exact reason for its appearance in shallow waters remains unclear, the sighting underscores the mysteries of the deep sea and the importance of continued ocean exploration and conservation.

This rare encounter with the Black Seadevil serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity of marine life and the many secrets still hidden beneath the ocean’s surface. As researchers continue to study these enigmatic creatures, each sighting brings us closer to understanding the complex ecosystems of the deep sea.

Why This Sighting Matters

The Black Seadevil anglerfish is a rare and elusive creature, making this sighting a significant event for marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts alike. The fish’s unusual appearance near the surface provides valuable insights into its behavior and biology, which are typically shrouded in mystery due to its deep-sea habitat.

The discovery also highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts. As human activity continues to impact ocean ecosystems, understanding the lives of deep-sea creatures like the Black Seadevil becomes increasingly crucial. Protecting these fragile environments ensures that future generations can continue to explore and learn from the wonders of the deep