Scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute using their remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts have filmed a rare and bizarre-looking anglerfish called the Black seadevil in its native habitat, at depths of about 580 meters.
Black seadevil (probably Melanocetus johnsonii), about 9 cm long. Image credit: © Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
Black seadevils are small, deep-sea anglerfish of the family Melanocetidae, which includes one genus (Melanocetus) and six species (Melanocetus eustalus, M. johnsonii, M. murrayi, M. niger, M. polyactis and M. rossi) found worldwide.
These strange and elusive creatures are very rarely observed in their natural habitat.
Dr Bruce Robison of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and his colleagues observed a Black seadevil (probably Melanocetus johnsonii) in the waters of the Monterey Canyon just off Monterey Bay, California, on November 17, 2014.
“Anglerfish, like this Melanocetus, are among the most rarely seen of all deep-sea fishes, Dr Robison said.
“The shining spot at the tip of the ‘fishing pole’ projecting from the fish’s head is a glowing lure.”
“The anglerfish uses its light to attract prey in its deep, dark habitat.”
The scientists believe that this is the first video footage ever made of this species alive and at depth.
“This is the first time we have captured this fish on video in its habitat,” Dr Robison said.
