‘The bravest thing I’ve ever seen’: A lone anglerfish has the internet in tears

A rare black seadevil anglerfish was filmed swimming towards the surface of the water in Tenerife on January 26, captivating the internet. The shark conservation NGO Condrik Tenerife shared the footage on Instagram, calling the fish "a legendary fish that few will ever have the privilege of observing alive." Tragically, the fish died just hours after being spotted, making its final swim all the more poignant. The scientific discovery has sparked an emotional outpouring on social media, with many users expressing grief and admiration for the six-inch fish. Some have speculated about why the fish was so far from home, with theories ranging from illness to loneliness. Researchers, however, have proposed more realistic explanations, such as the fish being regurgitated by a predator or caught in an upward-moving column of warm water. Despite the uncertainty, the internet has taken the fish's story to heart, with one TikTok user even creating a Finding Nemo-style animation about the fish's final swim that has gained 44.1 million views. The animation has sparked further emotional responses, with users commenting on the fish's bravery and the impact it has had on their lives. The story has become a viral sensation, with many calling for Pixar to create a film about the fish's journey. The black seadevil's final swim has captured the hearts of thousands, and its legacy is likely to live on in the digital realm.