Black Seadevil Anglerfish - A rare video of an equally rare type of fish has sent scientists-as well as the internet-agog with excitement.
There are many things that make this video special.
According to scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), who are responsible for the video, this is the first time the Black Seadevil Anglerfish has been captured in its natural habitat.
"This is the first time we've captured this fish on video in its habitat. Anglerfish, like this, Melanocetus, are among the most rarely seen of all deep-sea fishes. The shinning spot on the tip of the 'fishing pole' projecting from the tip of the fish's head is a glowing lure. The anglerfish uses its light to attract prey in its deep dark habitat," Bruce Robinson, a senior scientist at MBARI, who recorded the video, said.
Reports indicate that the video of the Black Seadevil Antglerfish was shot about 580 meters below the surface of the ocean. Until now, there were no equipments powerful enough to capture video in these depths. Therefore, information about animals in the depths of the sea is sparse.
The institute has revealed that the video of the Black Seadevil Anglerfish was recorded on Nov. 17th using a remotely operated equipment named Doc Ricketts.
The short video simply shows the scary Black SeaDevil Anglerfish, which has been described as being akin to a severed head, swimming. The fish was reportedly collected for study.
The Black Seadevil Anglerfish is one of the most interesting deep sea specimens. Scientists have been able to identify that this is a female Black Seadevil Anglerfish because male specimens of this type of fish lack the glowing fishing lure. Male Black Seadevil Anglerfishes are virtually sperm carriers-they do little feeding in their lifetime before attaching themselves to a female and dying away.
According to scientists, the Black Seadevil Anglerfish hunts by luring preys in the deep dark depths of the sea with its glowing light. When they are close enough, the Black Seadevil Antlerfish will proceed to grab the prey in its powerful jaws.
