The social media platform TikTok became the centre of a tragic story about a rare deep-sea anglerfish, a denizen of the depths of the ocean where light does not penetrate. The rare deep-sea anglerfish surfaced in Tenerife and was filmed by scientists in Spain last week.

It would be the first footage of a black seadevil fish, also known as a humpback anglerfish, away from its usual habitat. However, the deep-sea-dwelling creature’s detour to the surface of the sea ended in tragedy and its demise.

This damn anglerfish has this empath in a chokehold 😭 pic.twitter.com/Gu3DeRviBF

— kirsti ✨ (@kirstilynn11) February 14, 2025

The incident has left many scientists nonplussed and looking for answers as to why the black seadevil fish ventured to the surface.

The sighting of this creature on the surface of the ocean is extraordinary. The black seadevil fish inhabits the depths of thousands of meters under the ocean, where light seldom reaches.

The fish lives in pitch darkness and uses the light or bioluminescence it emits from its body to attract prey.

The female black seadevil fish has a bulbous protrusion over its head. Scientists are giving various theories about how the deep-sea-dwelling creature found its way to the surface.

According to Bruce Robison, a marine scientist who was speaking to National Geographic, the fish could have eaten prey that had a swim bladder or gas gland, causing the fish to float to the surface. Another theory is that gas bubbles from underground fissures may have pushed the fish to the surface.

TikTok has become a platform where many creatures have gained fame and become viral sensations, and the latest tragic news about the anglerfish is no different. The story about the most bizarre-looking creature of the sea is not only spawning debates but also evoking deep sentiments among netizens who are using the social media platform to vent their feelings.

In a particular TikTok video, which has since gone viral, a woman is seen sobbing uncontrollably while recounting the story to her boyfriend. Even when her boyfriend tries to assure her that it is only a fish, she continues weeping into her phone.

The story does not end there. One X user wrote:

“Me crying over every post I come across about this anglerfish (for the last two days).”

Some users also created comic strips and videos that tried to depict the final moments of the fish. The more imaginative even reasoned that the fish was trying to see the sun.

Also Read: Republican Makeup; The Viral TikTok Trend That’s Sparking Memes and Mockery