Marine biologists on an expedition in Monterey Bay, California, have recently discovered a rare and vibrant deep-sea fish species named the highfin dragonfish (Bathophilus flemingi). This species is the rarest among all dragonfish, with scientists having previously observed live specimens only a few times.
For three decades, researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have been exploring the depths of the bay using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), uncovering many wonders, including several species of dragonfish. However, the highfin dragonfish has proven to be the most elusive. This remarkable fish was found at a depth of 300 meters.
Rare bronze-colored dragonfish off the coast of Monterey Bay, USA.
Bruce Robison, a senior scientist at MBARI and the lead researcher on the expedition, stated: “They are incredible creatures, especially in terms of their coloration. The scales of the dragonfish shimmer with a metallic bronze that is unlike any deep-sea fish.”
The pigments that give the fish its bronze hue, brass-colored, may actually serve as a form of camouflage, as these pigments absorb remnants of blue light as it penetrates deeper, making the fish nearly invisible in its environment.
This type of camouflage is well-suited for a predatory fish. They hover in the darkness, waiting for small fish and crustaceans to swim by. However, these meals do not approach randomly. Instead, they are drawn close by the dragonfish, which has bioluminescent filaments extending from its chin.
Robison explained: “It uses that lure to attract prey that see the glowing point, thinking it is something small enough to eat.” When the prey gets close enough, the dragonfish’s wide jaws and numerous teeth clamp down.
The dragonfish uses bioluminescence not only to catch food but also to avoid becoming prey. Robison noted: “Many predators look up to try to detect the silhouette or shadow of prey against the light from the water above. These light organs match the color and intensity of the light above, effectively erasing the fish’s silhouette.”
The discovery of the highfin dragonfish is just one of many examples demonstrating how Robison’s curiosity about ocean exploration has been rewarded with unexpected findings.
