Rare Black Seadevil Anglerfish Spotted Near Tenerife Sparks Viral Fascination

In a startling and rare occurrence, a black seadevil anglerfish was observed swimming vertically just over a mile off the coast of Tenerife, creating a stir among scientists and social media users alike. This event marks what may be the world's inaugural sighting of a live adult black devil anglerfish in daylight and at the ocean's surface. Typically, these elusive creatures inhabit the ocean depths of up to 6,500 feet, making their appearance in shallow waters an unusual phenomenon.

The unexpected encounter was captured on video by TikTok user @Chronic, and the footage rapidly gained popularity, amassing over 8 million views since its posting on February 14. The sighting has left researchers puzzled, including fish biologist Kory Evans from Rice University, who expressed disbelief upon first viewing the viral video. Speculation abounds regarding the reasons for the anglerfish's presence in shallow waters, ranging from illness to shifts in ocean currents or an escape from predators.

The black seadevil anglerfish is renowned for its distinctive dorsal appendage adorned with bioluminescent symbiotic bacteria, which it employs to attract prey. Its eerie appearance has drawn comparisons to scenes from the Pixar film "Finding Nemo," captivating audiences worldwide. The anglerfish's journey to the sunlit surface concluded with its untimely death, a fact that has evoked an emotional response from social media users.

User @kirstilynn11 shared an artistic depiction of the anglerfish with the poignant message:

"And for my last day … I will go see the sun."

Another user, Kaleigh, posted a heartfelt video expressing her sorrow over the fish's final swim and subsequent death, which resonated widely and garnered over 5 million views. Her remarks encapsulated the sentiment felt by many:

"Look how tiny she was and she swam that great distance."

"She was so small but she was mighty and she did that all on her own."

The sighting has sparked discussions among researchers and social media communities about the fish's audacity and beauty. Many have shared their reflections and experiences, celebrating the creature's enigmatic swim towards the light.