The Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) in Tenerife has unveiled a rare deep-sea black devil fish as part of its marine biology exhibition. This exceptional specimen, usually found thousands of metres below the ocean’s surface, was discovered unusually close to the surface off the coast of Playa San Juan on 26th January.
The fish was donated to the museum by biologist Marc Martín Solá, who encountered it one kilometre from the mouth of the Barranco de Erques, between the municipalities of Adeje and Guía de Isora. Since arriving at MUNA, the specimen has been formally identified by experts, confirming its status as a rare find in shallow waters.
A Unique Opportunity to See a Deep-Sea Predator Up Close
The Minister of Tourism for the Tenerife Cabildo, Lope Afonso, attended the exhibition launch and highlighted the scientific and educational value of this discovery.
“Tenerife’s biodiversity continues to amaze us. This abyssal fish is rarely seen near the surface, making it a fascinating specimen for our visitors. Through MUNA’s efforts, schools and the public can now appreciate a unique species that showcases the wonders of our natural world.”
Afonso also reaffirmed the commitment of the Cabildo to expanding cultural access and promoting the island’s scientific and historical heritage. “We aim to democratise culture and strengthen our museums, which are nationally renowned for their quality and collections. From the remains of our Guanche ancestors to deep-sea species like this, our museums are invaluable resources for education and conservation.”
When and How to Visit the Exhibition:
The black devil fish is now available for public viewing at MUNA during its regular opening hours:
However, due to Carnival celebrations, MUNA will be closed on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 8th March. On 9th March, the museum will open at 11:00am instead of its usual time.
The Black Devil Fish: A Deep-Sea Predator
The scientific name Melanocetus johnsonii comes from the Greek words “melanos” (black) and “keto” (mythological sea monster), with johnsonii referring to British naturalist James Yate Johnson (1820–1900), who collected the first known specimen.
This species inhabits the deep ocean at depths of 2,000 to 4,500 metres, where total darkness, high pressure, and low temperatures (4°C-10°C) make survival extremely challenging. Due to the scarcity of food, these fish have evolved large mouths with inward-curved, razor-sharp teeth, allowing them to swallow prey larger than their own size.
The museum has previously exhibited another deep-sea fish sighting, a horned lanternfish (Oneirodes eschrichtii) found in 2017 by Sergio David Hernández aboard the catamaran BONADEA II. That specimen, already dead when discovered, was floating belly-up with a 36 cm-long hake (Trachonurus sulcatus) still moving inside its stomach.
The black devil fish is a rare find, and its presence at MUNA offers a unique opportunity to learn more about deep-sea life and Tenerife’s rich marine biodiversity.
