‘Icarus of the deep’: how a dying anglerfish became a social media sensation
International 07 Mar, 2025

‘Icarus of the deep’: how a dying anglerfish became a social media sensation

Business To Business, New York, 07 Mar. 25: In February, researchers from the conservation organization Condrik Tenerife made a remarkable discovery about two kilometers off the coast of Tenerife Island while searching for sharks. They encountered a humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii), a type of black seadevil, swimming near the surface in sunlight—an unusual sight since these fish are typically found in the "twilight zone" at depths between 200 to 600 meters.
Photographer David Jara Boguna captured this rare moment on video, which quickly gained attention on social media. The footage has sparked a wave of empathetic responses, with many viewers interpreting the anglerfish as a feminist icon or likening it to Icarus, who famously flew too close to the Sun. This public reaction suggests a shifting perspective on deep-sea life, as the anglerfish, often perceived as monstrous, is now being celebrated and appreciated, highlighting a growing interest in and respect for the mysteries of the ocean.

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