Scientists exploring the depths of Monterey Bay off California have captured rare footage of a deep-sea anglerfish, and even managed to collect the live specimen for study.
The encounter occurred 2,000 feet beneath the surface and the peculiar-looking fish was observed and captured via the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s remotely-operated vehicle, the ROV Doc Ricketts.
Dr. Bruce Robison of MBARI described the anglerfish as being “among the most rarely seen of all deep-sea fishes,” and said the accompanying video contains what’s believed to be the first-ever footage of a live anglerfish in its deep-sea habitat.
The small but scary-looking fish is named because of the manner by which it feeds: by dangling the luminescent tip at the end of a “fishing pole” projecting from its head, and using the “glowing lure” to attract unsuspecting prey. It then snatches that prey, usually a small fish or squid, with its long, sharp teeth.
The mysterious anglerfish was featured in a scene in “Finding Nemo”; video screen grab
Females are much larger than males, which lack the ferocious-looking appearance. The male’s sole purpose in life is to find a mate.
While these fish are mysterious and rarely observed, many will find them to look familiar based on a scene in the popular animated movie “Finding Nemo,” in which Marlin and Dory areentranced by the glowing light and narrowly escape capture.
The anglerfish captured by MBARI is also called a black seadevil, and measures only 3.5 inches.
A spokeswoman for the facility said the fish is being kept in a dark tank with near-freezing water—similar to its ocean habitat—but it’s not expected to live.
MBARI scientists have observed only three anglerfish in their years of deep-sea exploration. They’re hoping the footage will help them learn more about how the species’ movements and habits.
Source: grindtv.com
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