Size of Rare Deep-Sea Fish Found in the Canary Islands Surprises Experts

A rare carnivorous fish spotted near the coast of Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, has turned out to be much smaller than many initially assumed based on a viral image shared online this week.

A new photograph circulating on social media shows the fish fitting in the palm of a person’s hand. According to biologists, the size of this species varies by gender: females can grow up to around 20 centimeters, while males reach only about three centimeters.

The movie Finding Nemo may have also contributed to the misconception about the fish’s size. In the animated film, the species is portrayed as a monstrous predator significantly larger than the main characters.

This rare deep-sea fish is known for its bioluminescent lure, which glows due to bacteria, helping it attract unsuspecting prey into its fearsome jaws lined with sharp teeth.

Typically found at depths exceeding 1,000 meters—far beyond the reach of sunlight—this species rarely appears in shallower waters. That makes its recent sighting in southern Tenerife, a region known for its rich marine biodiversity, a truly exceptional event.

Marine biologists consider this discovery a significant milestone, as it provides a rare opportunity to study a species that usually remains hidden in the ocean’s abyssal depths.

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