TikTokers were sobbing messes over the viral story of an anglerfish that died after making its way towards the ocean's surface, far from the darker depths where they are known to dwell.
Scientists in Spain witnessed the unusual sighting of a black seadevil fish, also known as a humpback anglerfish, in lighter waters far above their usual habitat, ranging from 650 to 6,500 feet below the surface.
The bony fish are characterized by their dark-bodied appearance, with the females having a luminescent protrusion from their heads to lure prey in the darkness.
Here is a news report.
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Marine wildlife photographer David Jara Bogunyà with the NGO Condrik Tenerife said the sighting was a "dream come true," and recalled their early fascination with the anglerfish.
"When I was a kid, I had a book with some deep-sea creatures, and I loved the illustrations," said the photographer, adding,
"They were crazy to me. The animals didn’t look real."
Condrik Tenerife confirmed to local Spanish outlet Marca that the anglerfish died, suggesting it had been previously injured.
Marine biologist Laia Valor told the EFE news agency, “There could be thousands of reasons why it was there."
“We simply don’t know. It’s an extremely rare and isolated sighting.”
Here is footage of the wayward anglerfish being filmed before its final moments.
Although the species appears menacing with its intimidating teeth, social media users found themselves crying over the helpless anglerfish that made its way to the light and died.
One user digitally animated a short called "The Brave Anglerfish" set to Taylor Swift's song "Cardigan."
…Which didn't help the internet hold back tears.
Other animated depictions followed.
And the dam finally broke.
One viral TikTok clip showed a woman bawling her eyes out over the story, and the floating caption reads:
"Full moon energy is my sister fully losing it over the angler fish storyline and destroying our family's emotional stability."
You can watch the video here.
People found the heartbreak relatable.
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Another viral clip showed a TikToker explaining the story to her boyfriend and barely managing to articulate her thoughts through the tears.
“This is not about a f'king anglerfish," her boyfriend says to her, to which the woman tells him to "Stop" and confirms that it is.
"It was curious. It wanted to see the light that it didn't produce itself for the last time," she explains, emotionally choked up.
Users shared their grief.
@savannahbellexoxo/TikTok
@savannahbellexoxo/TikTok
@savannahbellexoxo/TikTok
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Marine scientist Bruce Robison shared his theory with National Geographic about the anglerfish's death, suggesting that it likely consumed something with a swim bladder or gas gland, and therefore, rose to the surface.
Other theories included that underground fissures may have forced the fish to continue rising, or a predator eating and then spitting it out near the surface of the water.
Or maybe she just wanted to see the light.
