"Spotted Alive for the First Time? 'Devil Deep-Sea Fish' Captured in Broad Daylight in Spain"

A Deep-Sea Fish Living at Depths of 200 to 2000 Meters
Sightings Near the Sea Surface Are Extremely Rare

A deep-sea fish known as the 'Devil Fish' was captured off the coast of Tenerife Island in the Canary Islands, Spain, drawing significant attention. Marine researchers suggested that this could be the first recorded sighting of an adult of this species alive during daylight hours. On the 8th (local time), Spanish media including Marca, citing the NGO CondricTenerife, reported that on the 26th of last month, while conducting shark research, they captured footage of the 'Black Devil Fish' swimming near the sea surface.

The "Black Devil Fish" is a deep-sea fish that lives at depths of 200 to 2000 meters. It inhabits complete darkness using antenna-shaped tentacles on its head that emit light like lanterns. Therefore, it is very rare to find it near the sea surface. Instagram: 'condrik_tenerife'

The 'Black Devil Fish' is a deep-sea fish living at depths of 200 to 2000 meters. It inhabits complete darkness using bioluminescent antenna-like tentacles on its head that glow like lanterns, making sightings near the sea surface extremely rare. An NGO official who discovered the fish said, "This is a legendary fish that is rarely seen alive," adding, "Existing records mostly show larvae, dead specimens, or footage taken by submarines." However, the research team continued to observe the fish, which unfortunately died within a few hours due to injuries.

The most distinctive feature of this deep-sea fish is its long, sharp teeth and numerous skin spines under the dorsal fin, which allow it to eat prey larger than itself. Due to its unique appearance, including a large mouth and irregular teeth, it was depicted as a villainous character in the animated film "Finding Nemo." Instagram: condrik_tenerife

This fish belongs to the Melanocetidae family and is scientifically named Melanocetus johnsonii, which means 'black sea monster' in Greek. Its most distinctive features include long, sharp teeth and numerous skin spines beneath its dorsal fin, enabling it to consume prey larger than itself. Due to its large mouth and irregular teeth, it was depicted as a sinister character in the animated film "Finding Nemo." Marca stated, "This discovery highlights the mysteries hidden beneath the seas around the Canary Islands and underscores the need for ongoing research to protect this unique ecosystem."

Various theories have been proposed regarding why this fish traveled far from its usual habitat. Experts analyzed that the fish might have been swept away by strong currents or moved closer to the surface to escape disease or predators.

Meanwhile, various deep-sea fish have recently been appearing on land worldwide. On the 17th of last month, a large oarfish, known as the 'Doomsday Fish,' was found on a beach in Baja California, Mexico, causing concern. This fish is famously associated with natural disaster omens, sparking fears of earthquakes and tsunamis among local residents. The oarfish found on that beach was about 2 meters long and typically inhabits depths exceeding 900 meters. Surfers found it with tail injuries; although it was still alive and returned to the sea, its survival status remains unknown.

In fact, a large oarfish was found on the Xsumen beach in Mexico in June 2020, followed by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake ten days later. In July of the same year, an oarfish sighting in Alaska preceded a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, reinforcing beliefs in this superstition. Additionally, last year, three oarfish were found over three months on a California beach before a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred. In Australia, a giant oarfish with a head resembling a horse was caught late last year, attracting attention, and in Korea, a 2-meter-long oarfish was first discovered around August 2022, drawing interest.

Deep-sea hairtail fish found on a beach in San Diego, California. Scripps Institution of Oceanography

However, experts state there is no scientific correlation between oarfish appearances and natural disasters. Research teams from Tokai University and Shizuoka Prefectural University in Japan analyzed data from 1928 to 2011 and found no link between oarfish and earthquake occurrences. Furthermore, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography explained that recent frequent appearances of oarfish are likely due to changes in the marine environment, red tide phenomena, and population increases. They added that the oarfish found on the Mexican beach was probably washed ashore after storms or severe injuries. Regarding the recent phenomenon of many deep-sea fish being found on land, marine scientists analyzed, "Storms, changes in currents, and injuries can cause deep-sea fish to be pushed ashore," and "Recent red tides and climate change may have influenced this."