You’ve probably first encountered the anglerfish in Finding Nemo, when Marlin and Dory, in their quest to find Nemo, are mesmerized by a glowing light in the darkness—only to realize it's attached to the terrifying, fanged predator of the deep. That brief but haunting scene established the anglerfish’s eerie reputation in pop culture. But recently, this deep-sea dweller has resurfaced in the public’s imagination—not through animation, but through real-life encounters that have left scientists and netizens equally fascinated. 

Why Did the Anglerfish Go Viral?

A video and photo of a rare anglerfish swimming near shore have captivated social media, with many people interpreting its appearance as deeply symbolic. A recent case off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, made headlines when a rare black seadevil anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii) was spotted in shallow waters—an unprecedented sighting for a creature that normally resides thousands of meters deep. Sadly, the fish survived only a few hours after being spotted near the ocean’s surface before passing away, making its final journey even more poignant.

Many online have found poetic meaning in the anglerfish’s emergence. Some view it as an act of bravery—speculating that, in its final moments, the creature chose to rise from the depths to explore the unknown before its inevitable end. Others see it as a metaphor for modern-day loneliness, a solitary being venturing beyond its inhospitable world, living in the darkness below, the fish wanted to see the light above before she dies for one last glimpse of something different. The sighting has sparked animations and touching narratives, with some even suggesting that Pixar should create a film inspired by the anglerfish’s poignant story.

The Science Behind the Sightings

Scientists were particularly surprised to see the anglerfish not only intact but actively swimming, as these creatures are typically slow-moving ambush predators that drift in the depths, waiting for prey. Their soft, gelatinous bodies are adapted to the crushing pressure of deep waters, making their sudden rise to the surface an unusual event. While there is no definitive explanation for why this anglerfish appeared near shore, researchers have proposed a few possible reasons. One theory suggests that the fish may have swallowed prey with a gas-filled swim bladder, which could have caused it to rise uncontrollably to the surface. Another possibility is that underwater volcanic activity in the Canary Islands region created a warm water column that inadvertently pushed the fish upwards. Environmental changes such as shifting ocean currents or temperature fluctuations could also have played a role, disorienting the anglerfish and forcing it into unfamiliar waters. Unfortunately, like many deep-sea creatures, the anglerfish is not built for survival outside of its natural habitat, and once at the surface, it has little chance of returning to the depths.

A Deep-Dive into History

For centuries, the anglerfish has intrigued and unsettled those who have encountered it. It was first formally documented in the 19th century, often described by early explorers and naturalists as a terrifying creature lurking in the ocean’s depths. The species Melanocetus johnsonii was officially recorded in 1864 by English naturalist Albert Günther, based on a specimen collected by James Yate Johnson near Madeira. Its unusual method of reproduction, where the tiny male latches onto the female and gradually fuses with her body to become a permanent, parasitic mate, has fascinated biologists for decades. Some cultures have passed down folklore about mysterious glowing sea creatures, which eerily align with the anglerfish’s bioluminescent lure, often depicted as omens or spectral beings from the deep.

Lessons from the Deep

The anglerfish’s recent appearance can teach us a few things. First, it reminds us that there’s still so much we don’t know about our oceans. Creatures from the deep rarely come to the surface, so when they do, it might mean something is changing in their environment. Second, it’s a symbol of survival. The anglerfish lives in total darkness, under extreme pressure, yet it thrives. It shows how life can adapt even in the harshest conditions. Lastly, it shows how we connect emotions to nature. People saw the anglerfish’s journey as a story of bravery, loneliness, or curiosity—proof that even the most unusual creatures can inspire us.

Whether seen as a deep-sea mystery, a lonely wanderer, or a symbol of resilience, the anglerfish has captured the world’s imagination. And as scientists continue to study its rare appearances, one thing is certain—there’s still magic in the unknown.