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A rare deep-sea creature has just broken the internet—and our hearts. A black seadevil anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii) was spotted near the surface of the ocean off the coast of Tenerife, and let’s just say, people are feeling things.
The Moment That Shocked the Internet
Underwater photographer David Jara Boguñá captured what might be the most accidentally brave anglerfish ever. Typically, these nightmare-looking fish stay in the crushing depths of 200 to 2,000 meters below sea level, where they lurk in total darkness.
But this one?
It made its way to the surface in a move that’s got people comparing it to that one introvert friend who actually showed up to a party uninvited.
And, of course, social media has lost it. People on TikTok and Twitter are full-on sobbing over its tragic journey. Memes, emotional posts, and dramatic edits are flooding timelines, with captions like “He just wanted to see the sun once” and “This is the bravest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Why Did It Leave the Deep?
Scientists are still scratching their heads over why this deep-sea predator ended up where it clearly wasn’t supposed to be. Possible theories include:
- It was sick or dying, losing control over its buoyancy.
- A strong current or rising warm water carried it up.
- It was running from a predator (relatable).
- It ate something that messed up its ability to stay down.
Unfortunately, its fairytale visit to the surface didn’t last. The anglerfish was reported to be in bad shape and survived only a few hours.
What Happens Now?
After its passing, researchers took the fish to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for further study. While scientists will be analyzing its condition, the internet is already turning it into a tragic legend. Some are even calling for a Pixar movie—Finding Gloomy.
Beyond the memes, this event could help scientists understand deep-sea creatures and how changes in the ocean might be affecting them. A recent Rice University study examined how anglerfish have adapted to extreme environments, and this little guy’s accidental adventure might add more to that research.
Whether you see it as a symbol of resilience or just an incredibly weird moment in nature, one thing’s for sure—the black seadevil anglerfish has left an impact.
RIP, little dude. You may be gone, but you won’t be forgotten.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of El-Shai.com and the crazy cat lady your mother warned you not to become!
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