On social media, many viewers were baffled as Gen Z was left in floods of tears over a bizarre-looking ‘demon fish’ that died while swimming on the surface.
A rare deep-sea anglerfish has left Gen Z in tears. The fish, often called a “black demon”, swam to the surface near Tenerife. It died shortly after, sparking an emotional reaction on social media.
Rare deep-sea fish spotted in Tenerife
Scientists recently discovered the anglerfish while researching marine life off the coast of Tenerife.
The species, known as Melanocetus johnsonii, usually lives between 200 and 2,000 meters underwater.
On social media, an image of the ‘demon fish’ was shared by David Jara Boguna, a researcher at Condrik Tenerife, creating an online wave
He called it a “legendary fish” that few people would ever see alive.
Social media mourns the fish’s tragic fate
After learning of its death, TikTok users became emotionally invested in the story.
On social media, many saw the fish’s journey as a metaphor for resilience.
Kaleigh, a TikToker from Chicago, posted a tearful video that went viral. She imagined the fish’s final thoughts, asking:
Was she proud of herself?
Her video gained over 4.6 million views, with thousands sharing their sorrow in the comments.
Users connect with the fish’s struggle
Additionally, many Tiktokers also resonated with the fish’s symbolic journey toward the light. Some compared it to personal struggles.
@montanaamy406 Is this the first ever recorded sighting of ‘black demon’ fish in broad daylight? Researchers believe they’ve recorded potentially the first-ever sighting of an adult abyssal fish, Melanocetus johnsonii, in broad daylight. This creature is a legendary fish, Rare Black Sea Devil, famously reco This creature is a legendary fish, Rare Black Sea Devil, famously recognised in popular culture, yet very few individuals have had the fortune of witnessing it alive. Normally found at depths between 200 and 2,000 meters, this predator was spotted just 2 kilometres off the coast of Tenerife by Marine Photographer David Jara Boguñá during a Shark Research Campaign of the NGO Condrik. It’s unclear why this deep-sea dweller, known for using its bacteria-laden dorsal appendage as bait, ventured into shallow waters. ”Maybe due to illness, an upstream, fleeing a predator, etc”Condrik Tenerife said. Previous sightings of the “black demon” have been limited to larvae, deceased specimens, or submarine images.#fyp #anglerfish #blackdevilfish #sighting #findingnemo #discovery
One person said: She was dying, but in that moment, she lived
A second wrote: Oh dear never mind, truly they are beyond hope, on a brighter note it’s fish and chips for dinner today yum!
While a third commented: Good Lord. It’s a little fish. You probably eat one of their cousins every Friday. Are we going to have tears and tantrums at every meal ?
Another added: OMG ! Let’s set up a camera then start crying for attention
Someone else said: I will never trust someone who doesn’t get emotional over this fish.
Psychologist explains the emotional reaction
Dr. Nivedita Nayak, a psychologist, believes people see themselves in the fish’s journey. She explained:
“The anglerfish has spent its entire life in the deep, dark ocean, a place of survival and isolation.”
She described its struggle as “a metaphor for endurance and hope”, despite the inevitable end.
What scientists know about the mysterious fish
The “black demon anglerfish” is a deep-sea predator. It uses a bioluminescent lure to attract prey. Despite its small size, it can swallow animals larger than itself.
Scientists are unsure why it surfaced. Possible reasons include:
– Illness
– Predator evasion
– Environmental changes
This rare sighting has sparked deep emotions online. For many, the fish’s journey represents struggle, resilience, and hope.
While its fate remains a mystery, its story lives on through those who saw meaning in its final moments.