Video of this fish was captured during the 2016 Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas. Seen while exploring a ridge feature at a depth of approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), the fish measured about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. It is in the same order (Ophidiiformes) as cusk eels, but belongs to a distinct family (Aphyonidae). According to the experts, this is the first time that a fish in the family Aphyonidae has ever been seen alive!
With its transparent, gelatinous skin, which lacked scales, and its highly reduced eyes that lacked pigment, the fish was truly a remarkable — and ghostly — find. In fact, some viewers noted it was basically the “fish version of Casper the octopus,” in reference to an octopus seen during a 2016 February expedition off of Hawaii that was likely a new species.
One thing is certain – this was indeed an exciting find that highlights, once again, how much we still have to learn about our vast, and unexplored, ocean.