Mystery fish Sighting in Tenerife: A Diver’s Dream Encounter with deep sea monster”

Exploring the Monstrous sightings of the Humpback Anglerfish in the waters of the Canary Islands.

At our dive center in Gran Canaria, we understand that diving is about more than just the thrill of exploring the ocean; it’s about being in the right place at the right time. And sometimes, that leads to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like the recent sighting of a rare deep-sea “monster” a real oddity captured on film in the shallow waters of the Canary Islands last month. Let’s discuss this in a little more, er depth!.

The monster of the deep seen in the Canary Islands

The internet is buzzing with some amazing sightings of a mystery fish seen in the Canary Islands and I think we should explore this a little more. I’m Scott from Go Diving— based in Gran Canary part of the Canary islands chain so join me as we dive into the details and maybe clear up some of the misconceptions.

You may have all seen the incredible pictures and videos I’m referring to that came from this close encounter with a “deep-sea monster” or “black devil fish,” as it’s been called. And for sure, this is an amazing visitor to our world, but how did it come to be here?

Was mystery fish sighting a monster ?

So was it a monster?. The humpback anglerfish sighting in Tenerife was part of a rare event that lasted for a few days. Divers, drawn by the unusual appearance of the fish, had the opportunity to witness this elusive creature. A competition was launched after the fish was spotted repeatedly, and divers who were in the right place at the right time were able to document this remarkable moment. It wasn’t a single, spontaneous encounter, nor the underwater monster that many said it was, but rather a series of sightings that created excitement in the diving community of an amazingly rare animal in the shallow waters. This almost makes it more exceptional.

Video of the deep-sea angler fish

Imagine descending into the crystal-clear waters and seeing something mysterious—something that you cant explain! If you’re a diver, you probably are if you are here, then you may already know this feeling.

Diving especially the unique waters of the Canary Islands gives you the opportunity to witness marine life up close—sometimes encountering creatures few people ever get to see and often creating mystery encounter's. These incredibly rare encounters, like the humpback anglerfish, a species so elusive that sightings are incredibly scarce, are extraordinary for any diver lucky enough to cross its path. Its bioluminescent lure, used to attract prey in the dark depths, is an amazing feature that often leads to rumours of it being a terrifying or deadly monster. However, its fearsome appearance is simply due to its natural adaptations to survive in the enormous depths it normally inhabits—not because it’s a “black devil fish.”

So not a monster but an amazing deep sea species

The humpback anglerfish typically resides in deep waters, often at depths exceeding 200 meters. This means that only a handful of people have ever gotten to see it. Normally, sightings happen only during deep-sea research expeditions. Even then, their solitary nature and camouflaged body make them a rare sight in the wild. Its bioluminescent lure, a glowing appendage on its head, is crucial for attracting prey in the pitch-black depths. This adaptation helps it hunt smaller fish and crustaceans in the absence of natural light. Despite being studied for years, many aspects of its behavior and life cycle remain mysterious, particularly how it reproduces and survives in such extreme environments with limited food availability.

This rarity is what makes the sighting near Tenerife so exceptional. It’s an experience that speaks to the unpredictable nature of diving and the wonders the ocean still holds for those who are willing to explore it.

Divers see amazing things others dont

Here in the Canary Islands, we’re fortunate to dive in waters teeming with biodiversity. From vibrant reef ecosystems to the chance encounters with deep-water creatures like the anglerfish, our islands offer a unique playground for divers. It’s not just the big, famous species we get to see—it’s the unexpected moments that make each dive unforgettable. With the right guidance and a little bit of luck, you might just find yourself sharing the water with creatures that most will only read about.

Diving offers the privilege of seeing things from a perspective few others experience. Every dive is a new opportunity to connect with the ocean’s mysteries and marvel at the creatures that call it home. Whether you’re an experienced diver or new to the sport, Gran Canaria’s waters promise to leave you in awe. And just like the rare sighting of the humpback anglerfish, you never know what remarkable moment might happen next. Join us for your own dive adventure and witness the unforgettable wonders of the ocean firsthand.

Dive with us in Gran Canaria—you might be the next to witness something extraordinary beneath the waves.

Thanks for joining us and see you here soon

Scott Finch

Go Diving instructor and Co Owner