This is possibly the first video to capture the seldom observed deep-sea anglerfish, also known as the Black Seadevil. This angler is named Melanocetus and is about 9 cm long.
On Monday, November 17, MBARI Senior Scientist Bruce Robison was leading a dive using the remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts in Monterey Bay when he came across this amazing deep-sea anglerfish about 580 meters (1,900 feet) below the ocean surface.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqPMP9X-89o&w=750&h=422&rel=0]
Robison comments:
“This is the first time we’ve captured this fish on video in its habitat. Anglerfish, like this Melanocetus, are among the most rarely seen of all deep-sea fishes. The shining spot at the tip of the ‘fishing pole’ projecting from the fish’s head is a glowing lure. The anglerfish uses its light to attract prey in its deep, dark habitat.”
See more at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.