First-Ever Recorded Sighting “Black Devil of the Abyss” Spotted at the Surface in Spain

A deep-sea creature rarely seen alive has emerged from the abyss near Tenerife, leaving scientists both astonished and puzzled. The Melanocetus johnsonii, commonly known as the black sea devil, was filmed swimming near the surface—an extremely rare event that could be a world first.

The chilling footage, captured by the NGO Condrik Tenerife, has captivated marine researchers and ocean enthusiasts, sparking speculation about what could have forced this elusive predator out of its natural habitat.

A Rare Glimpse of the Deep Sea’s Nightmare Predator

The black sea devil, a member of the deep-sea anglerfish family, is a master ambush predator of the abyss. With its massive head, needle-like teeth, and eerie bioluminescent lure, it thrives in the perpetual darkness of the ocean’s depths, between 200 and 2,000 meters below the surface.

On January 26, something extraordinary happened. Near the coast of Guía de Isora, on the western shores of Tenerife, a crew witnessed and recorded this legendary abyssal predator swimming vertically in broad daylight. Until now, the only known footage of these creatures included dead specimens, deep-sea submersible recordings, or larval-stage individuals.

The footage, shared on Instagram by Condrik Tenerife, quickly went viral, drawing the attention of scientists and marine experts worldwide. Never before has a living adult black sea devil been observed at the surface in daylight, making this event potentially a landmark moment in marine biology.

Why Was It at the Surface? Scientists Are Searching for Answers

One of the biggest mysteries surrounding this encounter is why the anglerfish was at the surface at all. These creatures are built for the high-pressure, pitch-black environment of the deep sea, making their sudden appearance in shallow waters highly unusual.

Scientists are considering several possibilities, including:

• Disorientation due to illness or environmental stress
• A powerful upwelling current carrying the fish to the surface
• A desperate escape from an unknown deep-sea predator
• Changes in ocean conditions or deep-sea disruptions

Each of these possibilities raises even more questions. Could climate change be altering deep-sea habitats in ways we don’t yet understand? Are these rare predators being forced out of their natural depths due to changing ocean currents?

While researchers have yet to determine a definitive cause, one thing is certain: this rare sighting has provided a unique opportunity to study an elusive deep-sea species in an entirely new way.

The Specimen Is Now in the Hands of Scientists

Tragically, the black sea devil did not survive its unexpected journey to the surface. After its death, the researchers carefully transferred the specimen to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where it will undergo detailed analysis.

This discovery presents a valuable opportunity for marine biologists to study the anatomy, behavior, and possible causes of the fish’s unusual ascent. Scientists hope that by analyzing the tissues, stomach contents, and potential environmental factors, they can uncover what led to this rare event.

A Haunting Mystery from the Depths

The footage of the black sea devil’s ghostly ascent continues to circulate online, igniting curiosity and discussion among scientists and ocean lovers. The deep sea remains one of the most unexplored and mysterious regions on Earth, and events like this remind us just how little we truly know about what lurks in the abyss.

Got a reaction? Share your thoughts in the comments

Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news.