Scientists have caught a glimpse of the rare bronze dragonfish off the coast of California. The video of the sighting shows the truly impressive coloration of the “deep sea dragon”.
Experts from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) were on a recent expedition aboard the Western Flyer research vessel when they came across point the high-finned dragonfish (Bathophilus flemingi). They were “outside” Monterey Bay at a depth of 300 meters (980 feet), according to MBARI.
In the video shared by the organization, the dragonfish can be seen swimming in the “dark depths” of Monterey Bay. While the smooth skins of dragonfish are often pigmented Boasting the “blackest blacks known to nature,” the Highfin Dragonfish features a stunning bronze coloration that even appears to glow when the lights hit it.
Scientists have already seen other dragonfish in the deep sea of Monterey Bay, but the “beautiful bronze deep-sea dragon” is said to be the rarest.
“In over three decades of deep-sea research and over 27,600 hours of video, we’ve only seen this particular species four times!” MBARI noted.
“They are amazing animals, and part of the appeal is that color pattern,” said Bruce Robison, MBARI senior scientist and research leader of the team that spotted the highfin dragonfish. said Living Science.
According to Robinson, the creature’s tan coloration is, in fact, “different” from other deep-sea fish. Its color may be a form of camouflage that allows it to absorb blue light from the depths, he explained.
“But when we shine our white lights on it, it’s just beautiful,” Robison told the outlet.
But don’t let their impressive appearance fool you, because dragonfish are actually “cunning predators,” according to MBARI. Although they are good swimmers, they choose to capture their prey by remaining motionless. When the prey finally approaches, they open their jaws and then close their teeth.
One can see how terrifying dragonfish can be in this other video of another species of dragonfish, the Aristostomias scintillans. In the clip, one can really see the “like a daggere” teeth, the intensity of its dark coloration, and even the hint of red light under its eye.
It’s possible, MBARI noted, that the creature actually uses the red-light-producing bioluminescent organs under its eye as “night vision goggles.”
In fact, the creatures of the deep are fascinating, although they can also be a bit scary.
Photo: Pixabay-Pexels