When scientists saw a rare fish in the waters off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, it was more than a once-in-a-lifetime sighting — it was a once-in-human-existence moment.
It was the first time a live black devil anglerfish had ever been seen directly by human eyes, with only larvae or deceased examples of the species seen previously.
The creature — which is easy to spot thanks to its large jaw filled with sharp teeth and the bioluminescent lure on the top of its head — typically dwells in deep-sea areas, rarely coming up to clear waters.
"We were returning to port when I saw something black in the water that didn't look like plastic or debris," marine biologist Laia Valor told EFE, as Canarian Weekly shared. "It seemed unusual."
Unfortunately, the fish only survived a couple of hours, but the researchers were able to capture the sample for further study at the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A couple of theories have been posited as to what brought the fish up from the depths. It's possible the fish was sick, was pushed up by a current, or was trying to escape from a larger predator.
Can't afford solar panels? Here's how to get them without paying for purchase or installation Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach program gives you all the benefits of solar power without the upfront costs. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it easier than ever to lock in energy savings. Palmetto assumes all risk and responsibility for the panels you lease, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and learn how much you can save. Learn more → |
Either way, it was a remarkable sighting, and even the video footage is difficult to believe.
It's impossible to know if our changing climate impacted this fish, but we are certain that it's changing our ocean ecosystems. For example, warming waters are putting delicate coral species at risk of mass die-offs and changing the balance of ecosystems, which is negatively impacting the food chain.
As Earth overheats, we can expect to see increasingly strange phenomena. In July 2023, the BBC reported that waters off the coast of Florida reached hot tub-level temperatures, putting the survival of aquatic species at risk.
|
Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Definitely 👍 These issues demonstrate the importance of reducing the production of planet-warming pollution, which traps heat in the atmosphere and causes temperatures to rise.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Making positive lifestyle changes, such as avoiding gas-guzzling vehicles in favor of public transport or cycling and investing in renewable home energy, can not only protect our ocean ecosystems but also save you money in the process.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
