Researchers at the Schmidt Ocean Institute have captured video of an elusive and eerie “sea devil” with bulging eyes slithering across the rough seabed in the Galapagos Islands. This undocumented species, a member of the goosefish family (Lophiidae) is also commonly called monkfish.
A shot of a scary looking monkfish. (Instagram/@Schmidt Ocean Institute)
According to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, “They are flattened fish that lie quietly on the muddy bottom of the ocean and ambush their prey. Like other minnows, the head of the minnow is huge compared to the rest of the body. It has a wide mouth lined with numerous bands of long, curved teeth. According to legend, its common name comes from the belief that it can swallow a goose whole.” (Also Read: US Couple Captures Unidentified Creature On Camera, Claims It’s Bigfoot)
The nickname “sea devils” was coined when several fishermen became alarmed to find these fish entangled in their nets.
“The goosefish’s hunting strategy is to move as little as possible. It lies on the ocean floor and uses the fleshy spine on top of its head to lure prey. When it attacks, the goosefish uses its large mouth to grab prey from other fish and invertebrates and swallow it them whole,” Schmidt Ocean Institute shared on Instagram.
Watch the video of this monkfish here:
This video was shared on October 10th. Since it was published, it has been viewed more than 23,000 times. Share also has over 2000 likes and numerous comments.
Here’s what people are saying about this fish:
The individual wrote: “At first I thought a toadfish… or some angler relative (okay, still doubting that). Now I need to read more about the gosling fish! Great! Thanks!”
Another said: “Well this guy is freaking scary in a weird and cute way.”
“This goes into the ‘weirdly gorgeous’ category,” posted a third.
A fourth commented: “Wow!”
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Categories: Trending
Source: newstars.edu.vn