© Theodore Pietsch, University of Washington
The new anglerfish, which has been placed in the genus Lasiognathus, adds to the growing number of formidable-looking known species in the deep sea. This particular fish, described in the journal Copeia, was found at nearly 5,000 feet below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico's northern region.
"As a researcher, the one thing I know is that there's so much more we can learn about our oceans," co-author Tracey Sutton of Nova Southeastern University said in a press release. "Every time we go out on a deep-sea research excursion there's a good chance we'll see something we've never seen before — the life at these depths is really amazing."
The fish was found during ongoing work looking at the effects of oil spills on deep-sea marine life. It was identified based on three females.
Life at such water depths can be challenging, given that the pressure is immense, at over 2,200 pounds per square inch. The only light comes from creatures, like certain sharks, which biochemically generate their own light source. The fight for food in such a habitat is never ending.
As a result, the anglerfish has an appendage that looks like a built-in fishing pole, complete with a tiny faux fish attached to the top. Presumably for defense, the fish also has spikes on the top of its head that match its multiple needle-like teeth.
"Finding this new species reinforces the notion that our inventory of life in the vast ocean interior is far from complete," Sutton said. "Every research trip is an adventure and another opportunity to learn about our planet and the varied creatures who call it home."
The fish brings to mind rare video, taken late last year, of yet another deep-sea anglerfish. It falls under the "down-right scary looking" description too.
Maybe this 'new' species, is newer than we think? As in since this spill caused a need for species to adapt or cease to exist?