A rare sighting of a deep-sea anglerfish, Melanocetus johnsonii, near the surface in Tenerife, Mexico, has sparked online speculation and raised questions about the fish’s behavior. This species, found in all oceans, typically inhabits depths between 200 and 2,000 meters.
While some attributed the fish’s presence in shallower waters to an impending disaster, experts have dismissed such claims. Pedro Henrique Tunes, a biologist and zoology master at UFMG, explained that the fish’s unusual behavior is likely due to illness or a natural vertical migration pattern.
The Melanocetus johnsonii, unlike some mesopelagic species that rise to the surface at night to feed, usually remains in the deep ocean, using bioluminescence to attract prey. The individual observed in Tenerife was a female, identifiable by its bioluminescent lure. Males of this species are parasitic, relying on the females for sustenance.
The discovery highlights the ongoing mystery surrounding the behavior of deep-sea creatures and underscores the importance of continued research in the abyssal zone.