The anglerfish is WAY smaller than we thought, and these scaled pictures prove it

People on TikTok are currently obsessed with the scary-looking anglerfish that was able to find its way up to the surface of the ocean last week. What you might not have realised is that the anglerfish everyone is terrified of is actually TINY. I’m talking little enough to hold in your hand. These scaled pictures of the real-life anglerfish will actually shock you because it’s so much smaller than we all thought.

via TikTok

That’s right! The anglerfish is officially tiny, meaning it quite literally is just a baby. This picture shows just how little it is in comparison with what we all thought the terrifying monster would look like. Now I’m emotional about this cute mini fish.

TikTok comments have ranged from “no one talk to me I’m crying over a fish rn” to “she wanted to see the light…” People seem very sentimental over this tiny fish’s huge journey to the surface of the ocean. They’re usually found up to a mile below sea level.

@r0ssgill

So small ! #blackangler #anglerfish #fish #sea #foryoupage #fyp

♬ original sound – GILLY

You’re not completely off the hook

However, the video evidence of the anglerfish being tiny might not be all disappointment (or relief). According to National Geographic, anglerfish can grow to be up to four feet long. So, there’s definitely still cause to be terrified by them, and to avoid going near the sea for a while.

How did it get up to the surface in the first place?

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Speaking to National Geographic, marine scientist Bruce Robison theorised the anglerfish had eaten something with a swim bladder or gas gland which meant it started rising up to sea level. Another theory could be underground fissures that bubbled the fish to the top, or a predator eating and then spitting it out closer to the surface.

Our poor baby!!

Featured Image via TikTok.

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