A rare sighting of an adult Melanocetus johnsonii, commonly known as the Black Devil Fish, has been captured on video off the coast of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. This deep-sea fish, belonging to the anglerfish order (Lophiiformes), is known for its bioluminescent lure, which it uses to attract prey in the depths of the ocean.
The footage, taken by naturalist photographer David Jara Boguñá, shows the fish swimming vertically towards the surface in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This is significant because adult Black Devil Fish typically reside between 200 and 2,000 meters deep, where sunlight cannot penetrate. Most sightings of this species have been through remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or submarines at depths exceeding 1,000 meters.
Experts are unsure why this particular female Black Devil Fish ventured so close to the surface. Possibilities include illness, an upwelling current, or escape from a predator. Regardless of the reason, this footage provides valuable insight into the behavior of this elusive deep-sea creature.