Scientists capture rare footage of deep-sea anglerfish

 

By Pete Thomas

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 ominous-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.

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 are entranced 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.

–Images are video screen grabs

Comments

[Yahnoos]

For Wilfred Mott, did you even read the text "moron"?

"the peculiar-looking fish was observed and captured "
"The anglerfish captured by MBARI is also called a black seadevil"
"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."

Before you criticize others, get your facts straight. It *was* brought into captivity

[James Merritt]

Well Wilfred Mott...Did you actually *read* the article? While most sites post videos to appease simple minded individuals such as yourself, there is usually an article to go along with that video. In the article(under the video you clearly watched), they go on to state,
"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."

I think you owe apologies. Those people with "ignorant comments", are actually correct.

[Craig Ferguson]

Awesome video footage. I would like to catch one while I'm out fishing, but way too deep in the ocean for me to catch. And I wouldn't know what to use for bait anyway. I would love to taste the meat, see what it tastes like.

[Benjamin Jayke]

It is physically impossible for them to capture an angler fish at the moment with today's technology. The fish cannot survive without the immense pressure of its environment. So even if they did capture this fish, it would literally fall apart before surfacing.

[WIlfred Mott]

For everyone above but Kelly Spencer:

Wow...did any of you morons actually *watch* the video before posting ignorant comments? The fish was captured on VIDEO. Not dissected. Not brought into captivity. And certainly none of this has anything to do with your troglodyte political BS.

[fuckyou]

wow. someone finally got some footage of Marcia McNutt's soul.

[Doki]

Bleeding hearts. I say cut that baby up for science!

[Press watch]

Nosy Government people even have to stick their noses in the deep sea
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They captured it and will soon TAX the light on the fish
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They can't leave anything alone in peace
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The cost to produce this video is probably a grant for 2-3 Million dollars

[Jeri]

So essentially the scientists murdered her. This is my issue with science (started off in college as a marine biology major, this issue made me change my mind) - they kill what they study and make zero provision for future generations or toward conservation.
Depressing. The fish is wonderful, the scientists that watch her die because they want to cut her up, are not.

[mwaters]

So, in 25 years they've only seen 3, they don't expect it to live in captivity and yet they still captured it? The video is fantastic but why not let it be?

[Kelly Spencer]

How exciting! What a truly amazing creature. Looks so ferocious! I'm sure she is to anything measuring only 1 or 2 centimeters! Great job MBA!