Video of this fish was captured during the 2016 Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas. Seen while exploring a ridge feature at a depth of approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), the fish measured about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. It is in the same order (Ophidiiformes) as cusk eels, but belongs to a distinct family (Aphyonidae). According to the experts, this is the first time that a fish in the family Aphyonidae has ever been seen alive!
With its transparent, gelatinous skin, which lacked scales, and its highly reduced eyes that lacked pigment, the fish was truly a remarkable — and ghostly — find. In fact, some viewers noted it was basically the “fish version of Casper the octopus,” in reference to an octopus seen during a 2016 February expedition off of Hawaii that was likely a new species.
One thing is certain – this was indeed an exciting find that highlights, once again, how much we still have to learn about our vast, and unexplored, ocean.
Download SD version (mp4, 19.5 MB).
Download HD version (mp4, 110.8 MB).
Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2016 Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas.