A groundbreaking discovery has been made off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, marking the first time a Black Devil Fish (Melanocetus johnsonii) has been sighted alive near the ocean’s surface in this region. This deep-sea species, usually found at depths of 200 to 2,000 meters, was spotted just two kilometers from San Juan Beach on January 26, 2025, an unprecedented occurrence that has sent ripples of excitement through the scientific community. The sighting is particularly significant for its location, adding a new chapter to our understanding of marine life in the waters around Tenerife.
Laia Valor, a marine biologist with the NGO Condrik-Tenerife, was part of a shark study expedition when she made the remarkable observation. While returning to port, she noticed an unusual black object that didn’t resemble plastic. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a Black Devil Fish, a species never before seen alive at such shallow depths off Tenerife. The team spent several hours observing the fish, which, unfortunately, was already injured and only survived for a few hours.
The Black Devil Fish, a creature of the deep, is adapted to a life of perpetual darkness, relying on bioluminescence for survival. Its distinctive features, including a large mouth and irregular teeth, often draw comparisons to its sinister depiction in the animated film Finding Nemo. This unexpected appearance near the surface in Tenerife raises intriguing questions about the factors that might have caused it to venture so far from its typical habitat.
The Condrik-Tenerife expedition, focused on local shark populations, inadvertently made this historic discovery. Valor’s sharp eye and quick thinking allowed the team to document this extraordinary event, capturing footage of the fish alive in its unusual location. The fact that this sighting occurred in Tenerife makes it especially noteworthy, highlighting the unique biodiversity of the Canary Islands region.
While the Black Devil Fish is known to exist in other deep-sea locations, this is the first recorded instance of it being seen alive and at the surface off Tenerife. Experts speculate that illness, strong currents, or pursuit by predators might have played a role in its surfacing. Regardless of the cause, the event provides valuable insight into the behavior and biology of this elusive species in this specific geographical area.
The Tenerife sighting has ignited excitement among marine biologists and the public alike. It underscores the importance of continued marine exploration and the potential for unexpected discoveries, even in relatively well-studied areas. The event serves as a reminder of the mysteries that still lie hidden beneath the ocean’s surface, particularly around the Canary Islands, and the need for ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect these unique ecosystems.