Some creatures from the deep seem more suited for a sci-fi horror movie than the ocean. A fisherman recently hauled in one of the strangest-looking fish ever seen, sparking fascination—and a fair share of nightmares—across the internet.
Russian trawlerman Roman Fedortsov accidentally caught the bizarre fish while trolling the sea and later shared images of it on Instagram. The unusual creature, with its almost alien-like appearance, immediately captured attention. Some compared it to something out of The Thing, while others joked that it belonged in a battle against the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
A Fish Unlike Any Other
Fedortsov identified the fish as a smooth lumpsucker, a species of marine ray-finned fish found in the North Pacific Ocean. These fish can grow to over a foot in length, though their true appearance is often distorted when brought to the surface due to rapid pressure changes.
In his caption, Fedortsov described the fish as “Aptocyclus ventricosus, a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cyclopteridae. Lives in the North Pacific Ocean.” He went on to note that the fish has been given various nicknames, including “frog,” “kolobok,” and “stone with eyes.”
Despite its unsettling appearance, the lumpsucker is an edible species. However, many social media users found that idea disturbing. One comment read, “Are you chopping alien heads for views?” Another simply suggested, “Kill it, burn it, and don’t ever catch one of those again!”
The Mysteries of the Deep
While the ocean holds many strange and eerie-looking creatures, deep-sea fish often appear even more bizarre due to the extreme conditions they live in. Many species, like the lumpsucker, experience drastic physical changes when brought to the surface, making them appear even more otherworldly.
Though some may recoil at its appearance, the smooth lumpsucker is just another reminder of how much remains unknown about the depths of the ocean.
Image/Source: WOS
