Scientists discover rare bronze deep-sea dragonfish 1000ft below ocean. See how it looks

A rare species of deep-sea dragonfish was recently discovered nearly 1,000 feet below the ocean surface, called the twilight zone, off the coast of northernCalifornia.

The discovery of the elusive creature has caused excitement among the scientists who say that this particular dragonfish is incredibly special.

"In more than three decades of deep-sea research and more than 27,600 hours of video, we've only seen this particular species four times!" the post by Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) reads in Twitter.

The video shows the highfin dragonfish, also known as Bathophilus flemingi, swimming in the deep sea.

The drangon fish, with its bronze metallic hue, appears like a torpedo failing through the air, the clip shows.

Named after the mythical creature, the torpedo-shaped fish is a predator that roams the depths of the ocean, according to reports.

The fish can grow up to 16.5cm in length and has long thin rays for fins. Scientists claim that the wing-like filaments can detect vibrations and can alert the fish of oncoming predators and prey.

The dragonfish uses a sit-and-wait tactic in which it hangs motionless in midwater and waits for unsuspecting crustaceans and fish to feed on, according to MBARI.

It also uses a bioluminescent filament that extends from its chin.

“It uses that to attract prey that see the spot of glowing light and get drawn to it because they think it’s something small enough that they can eat,” Bruce Robison, a senior scientist at MBARItoldLive Science.

According to Fishbase, the highfin dragonfish is found in the eastern Pacific ocean off the west coast of North America and at depths ranging between about 740 feet to 4,500 feet below the ocean's surface.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE