A rare sighting of a Black Devil Fish, or Melanocetus johnsonii, has been reported off the coast of Tenerife, Spain. This deep-sea anglerfish, known for its bioluminescent lure, was spotted at a depth of just 2 kilometers, significantly shallower than its usual habitat of 200 to 2,000 meters.
The discovery was made by the research team of the Spanish organization, 'Investigacion y Conservacion de Cetáceos' (ICC), during a pelagic shark research expedition. The team believes this is the first time a Black Devil Fish has been captured on camera in such shallow waters.
The reason for the fish's unusual presence in shallow waters remains unclear. The team speculates that it could be due to illness, strong currents, or an escape from a predator.
This remarkable sighting highlights the potential for unexpected discoveries even in relatively well-studied areas. It also underscores the importance of continued ocean research to better understand the diversity and behavior of marine life.