A rare deep-sea fish was spotted off the north shore Californiasparking excitement among marine biologists who have been trying to track down the elusive creature for decades.
Pathophilus flemingi, also known as the high-finned dragonfish, was captured on video by a team of researchers in Monterey Bay, California. Named following the mythical creature, the torpedo-shaped fish is a predator that roams the depths of the ocean.
The fish can be up to 16.5 cm long and has a long thin ray of fins. Scientists think the wing-like filaments can detect vibrations and alert fish to approaching predators and prey.
According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), dragonfish use a sit-and-wait technique in which they hover motionless in central waters and wait for unsuspecting crustaceans and fish to feed. He also wears a bioluminescent thread that extends from his chin.
“This is used to attract prey that see the patch of bright light and are attracted because they think it’s something small enough to eat,” said Bruce Robson, one of the MBARI lead scientists. Tell Living Science.
When facing its prey, the fish opens its jaw, revealing a set of sharp teeth, and closes its mouth.
“In more than three decades of deep-sea research and more than 27,600 hours of video, we have only seen this particular species four times!” the researchers said in a YouTube video. Legend of a dragon fish swimming.
The fish caught by the researchers on camera has a bronze color that sets it apart from any other deep-sea species. “They are amazing animals, and part of the appeal is this color scheme,” Robinson said.
He added that the bronze color is likely a form of camouflage because it absorbs blue light reaching the deep ocean. As a result, the fish merge with their dark surroundings and become almost invisible.
“But when we put the white lights on it, it’s great,” Robinson She said.
