Rare Deep-Sea Anglerfish Caught on Video for First Time

A reclusive "black sea devil" anglerfish was videotaped in its natural habitat for the first time, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute announced Wendesday.

"Anglerfish, like this Melanocetus, are among the most rarely seen of all deep-sea fishes," Bruce Robison, a senior scientist at the institute, said in an online statement.

Measuring only about three and a half inches long, the anglerfish was videotaped by a remotely-operated submersible 1,900 feet below the ocean's surface. Anglerfish generally live up to four times deeper than that.

"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."

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