In the last few days, the anglerfish has emerged as an unanticipated emblem of hope and illumination for the online community—albeit this viewpoint leans more towards the poetic than the factual.

Recently, researchers discovered an anglerfish near the ocean’s surface off Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, a stark departure from its typical deep-sea dwelling. Known for their unnerving, bioluminescent lure, anglerfish utilize this characteristic to attract prey before consuming them with their sharp teeth. You may have a vivid memory of a particularly notable one from *Finding Nemo*.

Contrary to their intimidating image, anglerfish are smaller than what many typically envision. The specific fish seen near Tenerife measured only around six inches in length—a diminutive creature by deep-sea metrics. Upon witnessing this petite fish floating towards the sunlight, the internet quickly wove an emotional narrative around it. A viral entry on [X](https://mashable.com/category/Twitter) stated, [“She finally saw a light she didn’t create.”](https://x.com/justplainjenn/status/1890834048467018033) However, as another user highlighted, anglerfish do not actually produce their own light—it is emitted by bioluminescent bacteria known as *photobacterium* residing on their lures.

Nevertheless, the online audience embraced the narrative, generating fan art, poetry, [TikTok videos](https://mashable.com/category/tiktok), and even [tattoos](https://www.tiktok.com/@naomi.erceg/photo/7473222878968810768) influenced by the fish’s purported “search for the sun.” A particularly well-received artwork illustrated an anglerfish ascending towards the surface, paired with the phrase, *”And for my last day, I will go see the sun.”*

While this interpretation is heartwarming, marine scientists and specialists on anglerfish have clarified that the genuine cause for this fish ascending was likely far less poetic.

Bruce Robison, a senior scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, [informed *National Geographic*](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/black-seadevil-anglerfish-video-canary-islands) that the anglerfish may have inadvertently surfaced after consuming a fish containing a swim bladder or gas gland. As the gas expanded, it could have propelled the predator upwards involuntarily.

Ben Frable, senior collection manager of marine vertebrates at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, [stated to *The New York Times*](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/science/black-seadevil-anglerfish.html) that the fish featured in the video appeared to be unwell, stressed, or injured. He elaborated, *”A lot of things could be going on. The animal could have been in distress, accidentally ventured into shallow waters, or was being chased by a predator.”*

In truth, there is no proof to indicate that this anglerfish was on a quest for sunlight or warmth. However, while the scientific explanation might not align with the emotional perspective of the online narrative, the art it has inspired remains undeniably exquisite.