Researchers were able to snap a goosefish strolling on the seafloor, roughly 1,225 feet deep, before turning its head and eyes to directly face the camera.
Goosefish Spotted Strolling at Ocean Bottom
As seen in the foootage, the goosefish was walking over the ocean bottom on its fins. The unidentified goosefish species (Lophiidate), which is also called monkfish, was recorded last October 9 on the Galapagos Islands.
It was filmed roughly 373 meters below the surface of the ocean. It made use of its ventral and pectoral fins to steadily tread through corals before facing the camera. The footage was taken during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition that was done in collaboration with the Parque Nacional Galápagos as well as the Charles Darwin Foundation. The expedition aims to map the Galapagos' vertical reefs.
Watch this monstrous 'sea devil' goosefish walk along the bottom of the ocean off the Galapagos Islands https://t.co/XS6GQdTCj3
— Live Science (@LiveScience) November 1, 2023
Monstrous-Looking Goosefish
Goosefish dwell in depths that go as deep as 900 meters. These alien-like fishes have huge heads relative to their tapered and short bodies, which are typically speckled, reddish-brown, and bristle-coated. They have been dubbed "sea devils" by fishers due to their monstrous look. These fish are easily recognized by their flat and wide heads as well as their gaping mouths.
Their unique fins have modified joints to it. Because of this, these creatures can pivot the fiins and make use of them like they are feet.
The wide mouths of goosefish allow them to wholly swallow prey that is as big as their own body.
While there are roughly 25 goosefish species across the globe, these fish are actually a kind of anglerfish, having hallmark lures from the top of their heads that extend to attract prey and draw prey near. These creatures hunt by simply waiting and sitting. When prey nears, they lunge forward and use all their stored energy to capture their prey.
Goosefish diet mostly consists of fish. However, they also feed on crustaceans like lobsters. Reports have also indicated that in shallow depths, there were cases of goosefish feeding on arctic seabirds, also known as little auks, that dive closely. The teeth of these fish are angled towards their mouth's backs. This reduces the chance of escaping for their prey.
Deep-sea fish specialist Jethro Reading from the University of Southampton, who did not participate in the expedition, explains that one thing that remarkably stands out among goosefish is how optimized their body is to match their lifestyle of low energy. Reading notes that rather than spending their energy swimming from predators, goosefish hide on the ocean bottom.
Their capacity to walk on the seafloor is also an energy-saving mechanism. These creatures are built for quick activity bursts.
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