Biologists from the environmental organization Condrik Tenerife have recorded a rare sighting of a deep-sea anglerfish, known as the “monkfish” (Melanocetus johnsonii), near the surface of the water off the coast of one of the islands of the Spanish Canary archipelago of Tenerife.
“This may be the first recorded sighting of a live adult anglerfish or Melanocetus johnsonii in daylight on the surface!!!! A legendary fish that few people have been lucky enough to see live,” the Instagram post reads.
The unusual sighting was captured on video and may be the first recorded sighting of a live adult of this species during the daytime.
Previously, only larval stages of anglerfish or dead adults have been observed in similar conditions. The reasons for this phenomenon remain unknown, but it is assumed that it could be caused by illness, changes in sea currents or an attempt to escape from a predator.
