Black Seadevil Captured on Film in Monterey Canyon
Posted on November 23, 2014
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) captured this footage of a deep-sea anglerfish in the water of the Monterey Canyon, a submarine canyon in Monterey Bay, Calif. MBARI captured the anglerfish on film using its remotely operated vehicle named Doc Ricketts. The Doc Ricketts ROV dove to a depth of 600 meters to film the anglerfish. The small anglerfish is also known as the Black Seadevil. It belongs to the genus Melanocetus. It is nine centimeters long (about 3.5 inches).
MBARI's Bruce Robison says in the video that they believe this is the first video footage of this species ever made with the seadevil alive and at this depth. The seadevil uses the apparatus on its head to attract prey. The apparatus features a luminous tipped lure. MBARI says this specimen is a female. Male black seadevils are much smaller and do not have the special fishing apparatus. This anglerfish is suffering from a broken tooth. Take a look:
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