It’s not every day that you walk along the beach and find one of the strangest fish in the ocean resting in the sand. But this is exactly what happened to a tourist walking along the beach in Newport Beach in California. Upon approaching a strange body that he glimpsed in the sand, he realized that it was a huge black fish, specifically, it was the balloon fish, an inhabitant of the deep sea that is well known for its representation in the film “Finding Nemo” by Disney.
Image: Ben Estes
Although the tourist’s discovery was a few months ago, the image of the fish continues to be a great discovery that travels through the networks. The himantolophus or balloon fish is not a common sight as they usually live around 914 meters below sea level.
What is known about the balloon fish?
Due to its incredible life in the darkest depths of the ocean, few experts have been able to access this species to analyze its behavior. In fact, this tourist’s discovery allowed scientists to collect the lifeless body for further study.
However, information about the pufferfish is still very limited. Until now it is known that it is part of the Himantolophidae family and that it is usually found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Image: Ben Estes
Likewise, its distinctive feature is that small formation on its body that simulates a lamp or a fishing rod, which helps it hunt for food. Through the light it produces in that extension of its body, the balloon fish can make a bioluminescent call that attracts its prey (just like in the Disney movie).
But far from its peculiar and very curious way of getting food, the balloon fish has an appearance worthy of the darkness. With a round body, which for males measures about 39 centimeters and for females about 46 centimeters, the fish shows off its deep black coloration.
A warning from the depths
For now, it is not known exactly how this balloon fish reached the surface, but there is a theory about the appearance of strange fish on the surface. It is believed that deep-sea fish can make unusual appearances due to land movements in the deep sea.
For example, slight earthquakes in the ocean, tidal waves or even eruptions that slightly alter marine routine. Driven by these movements, currents can alter and change the course of these species.
This theory has not been 100% proven, but at least two small earthquakes off the coast of the United States coincide with the appearance of this balloon fish. This would put its possible appearance into context.