From black seadevil to doomsday fish, 5 deep sea animals that showed up on Earth’s surface for the first time in recent years

The female black seadevil, which can grow up to 20 cm (8 inches), is easily recognizable by its round, pitch-black body, jagged teeth, and a bioluminescent esca (lure) that dangles from its forehead, attracting unsuspecting prey. Males, on the other hand, are tiny and parasitic, fusing onto the female’s body to receive nutrients. This extreme adaptation is common among anglerfish species, allowing for successful reproduction in the deep sea’s vast, lonely expanse. Despite its nightmarish appearance, the black seadevil plays a crucial role in the deep-sea ecosystem, preying on fish and squid that venture too close to its glowing lure.

The discovery, captured by photographer David Jara Boguñá, shocked scientists as these creatures are almost never seen alive outside their natural abyssal habitat. While the exact reason remains unknown, experts suggest that factors like oceanic disturbances, predator escape, or illness might have contributed to its unusual appearance.

Although such occurrences are rare, other deep-sea creatures have also surfaced unexpectedly over the years. Here are four of the others that have shown up on the ocean surface:

1. Giant Oarfish (Regalecus glesne) – 2013 & 2017

Known as the “sea serpent” and “doomsday fish”, the giant oarfish is a deep-sea dweller that rarely comes near the surface. In 2013, a 5.4-meter-long oarfish washed up on a California beach, baffling scientists. A similar event occurred in 2017 in the Philippines, where fishermen found two oarfish near the shore—leading some to speculate that seismic activity might be driving them upwards. In 2024, one was discovered washed up on the Californian beach.

Known as the “sea serpent” and “doomsday fish”, the giant oarfish is a deep-sea dweller that rarely comes near the surface (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

2. Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) – 2014

This prehistoric-looking shark, usually found at depths of over 1,000 meters, surfaced near a fishing dock in Key West, Florida, in 2014. The goblin shark’s bizarre, elongated snout and protruding jaw made it an unforgettable sight. Scientists believe accidental capture by deep-sea trawlers or changing ocean currents might have forced it to the surface.

3. Deep-Sea Jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) – 2022

One of the rarest jellyfish in the world, Stygiomedusa gigantea, usually drifts in the ocean’s twilight zone (1,000-4,000 meters deep). In 2022, a deep-sea submersible recorded an unexpected sighting of this massive jellyfish hovering near the surface off the coast of Monterey Bay, California. The specimen had long, ribbon-like arms stretching up to 10 meters, leaving scientists in awe.

4. Frilled Shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) – 2007

Considered a “living fossil,” the frilled shark is a deep-sea species that resembles an eel with a shark-like head. In 2007, a fisherman in Japan captured a live frilled shark swimming near the surface—an extremely rare sighting. Experts believe the deep-sea predator may have been sick or disoriented, leading to its unusual appearance in shallow waters.

From the homepage

Canada designates Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist entity

What the FIR into Vijay’s Karur rally stampede says – and what it doesn’t

Modi writes foreword to Giorgia Meloni’s memoir, calls the book her ‘Mann Ki Baat’