Deep-sea anglerfish are strange and elusive creatures that are very rarely observed in their natural habitat, much less filmed swimming through the deep sea, but a group of scientist has changed all that catching the fish on tape.

On Monday, November 17, The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's Senior Scientist Bruce Robison lead a dive using the remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts in Monterey Bay when he came across the deep-sea anglerfish about 580 meters (1,900 feet) below the ocean surface.

"This is the first time we've captured this fish on video in its habitat,” said Robinson. “Anglerfish, like this Melanocetus, are among the most rarely seen of all deep-sea fishes. The shining spot at the tip of the 'fishing pole' projecting from the fish's head is a glowing lure. The anglerfish uses its light to attract prey in its deep, dark habitat."

The little angler in the video above is about 9 cm long and is named Melanocetus. It is also known as the Black Seadevil and it lives in the deep dark waters of the Monterey Canyon.

Robinson and his team believe it is the first video footage ever made of this species alive and at depth.