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Fish That Look Like They're From Another Planet

9 July, 2025

Fish That Look Like They're From Another Planet (and Where to Find Them)

In the deepest parts of the ocean, where light barely reaches and the pressure crushes anything not built to withstand it, live creatures that defy logic and imagination. Many of these fish look like something straight out of a science fiction movie: translucent bodies, impossible jaws, bioluminescent organs, eyes that capture even the faintest spark of light… These are species most humans have never seen in person, but they truly exist on our planet.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the strangest fish out there, tell you where they live, and—if that weren’t enough—reveal whether it’s possible to spot some of these extraordinary beings in one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations: Cancún.

 

 

1. Deep-sea Anglerfish or “Black Sea Devil” (Melanocetus johnsonii)

The black sea devil is probably the most iconic of the terrifying, bizarre deep-sea fish. This deep-dweller is known for its jaw full of sharp teeth and a glowing lure (called an esca) that hangs over its head to attract prey—like a built-in fishing rod.

  • Where to find it: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, between 200 and 2,000 meters deep.
  • Fun fact: Females grow up to 18 cm long, but males are tiny (less than 3 cm) and live permanently fused to the female’s body.

 

 

2. Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus)

Named the “ugliest animal in the world” in 2013, the blobfish only looks odd because it loses its shape outside of water. In its natural deep-sea environment, it has a much more typical appearance. Its body is adapted to the high pressures of the deep, which gives it that jelly-like look when out of the water.

  • Where to find it: Deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania, at depths between 600 and 1,200 meters.
  • Fun fact: It doesn’t have strong muscles, but it doesn’t need them—it floats and feeds on whatever drifts by.

 

 

3. Deep-sea Dragonfish (Stomiidae)

The dragonfish is a master of invisibility. Its body is dark, its scales reflect little to no light, and many species have bioluminescent organs they use to hunt and communicate.

  • Where to find it: All oceans of the world, between 200 and 1,500 meters deep.
  • Features: Its teeth are so thin they’re nearly invisible in water, making it an even stealthier predator.

 

 

4. Hatchetfish (Sternoptyx diaphana)

Named for its hatchet-shaped body and silvery appearance, this small fish looks like a living jewel. Some species have light-producing organs (photophores) along their bellies, which help them blend in with the dim light from above.

  • Where to find it: Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans; common in the mesopelagic zone (200–1,000 meters).
  • Size: Rarely longer than 10 cm.

 

 

5. Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)

The Mola mola, or ocean sunfish, is the heaviest bony fish in the world. It looks like a flying saucer with fins and usually swims near the surface, making it more accessible than others on this list.

  • Where to find it: Temperate and tropical waters in all oceans.
  • Size: Up to 3 meters long and over 1,000 kg in weight.
  • Sightings in Cancún: Yes! Though rare, there have been sightings of the sunfish off the coast of the Mexican Caribbean.

 

 

6. Red-Lipped Batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini)

This fish has a flattened body, fin-like limbs that it uses to “walk” on the seafloor, and bright red lips that look like they were painted with lipstick.

  • Where to find it: Near the Galápagos Islands.
  • Size: Up to 40 cm long.

 

7. Unicornfish (Naso unicornis)

This colorful fish gets its name from a prominent horn that sticks out from its forehead—like a real underwater unicorn. Unlike many deep-sea fish, it lives in shallower waters and is popular in aquariums for its unique appearance.

  • Where to find it: Coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Sightings in Cancún: While this specific unicornfish is not common in the Caribbean, other equally striking and exotic fish can be seen on local reefs, like parrotfish or the queen angelfish.

 

8. Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta)

With an angular body and two prominent horns on its head, this fish looks like a cross between a pufferfish and an alien box. It can release toxins when threatened.

  • Where to find it: Indo-Pacific, and occasionally in marine aquariums.
  • Sightings in Cancún: Not common, but Caribbean boxfish with similar shapes and quirky looks can be found.

 

9. Frogfish (Antennarius spp.)

This camouflage expert can change its color and completely blend into its surroundings. Some resemble sponges, corals, or even algae-covered rocks. It has a natural “lure” to attract prey.

  • Where to find it: Tropical and subtropical oceans.
  • Sightings in Cancún: Yes! Frogfish can be spotted on dive sites like Cozumel, especially if you have a trained eye for their perfect camouflage.

 

10. Lanternfish (Myctophidae)

These small fish live in the ocean’s twilight zone and have light-producing organs. They make up one of the largest fish biomasses in the world. Their name comes from the photophores that resemble lanterns.

  • Where to find it: All oceans.
  • Sightings in Cancún: Rare to see due to their depth, but they’re an important part of the Caribbean marine food chain.

 

Are There “Exotic” Fish in Cancún?

Absolutely! While many of the most exotic fish live in deep, hard-to-reach areas, Cancún is home to several exotic, colorful, and otherworldly species that seem like they’re from another planet. Some examples you might spot while snorkeling or diving:

  • Lionfish (Pterois volitans): Stunning in appearance, but highly invasive and venomous.
  • Queen angelfish: Iridescent colors that look hand-painted.
  • Parrotfish: Beak-like jaws and fluorescent scales.
  • Seahorses: Tiny and magical, like miniature sea dragons.
  • Eagle rays and manta rays: Graceful movements and silhouettes that resemble spaceships.
  • Moray eels: With their undulating motion and serpentine looks, they resemble mythical creatures.

If you visit places like Puerto Morelos National Reef Park, Xcalak, Mahahual, or the reefs off Cozumel, you’ll have the chance to see some of these creatures in their natural habitat.

 

Conclusion

The marine world remains one of the great mysteries of planet Earth. It's estimated that over 80% of the ocean is still unexplored, which means we may have only scratched the surface of what’s out there. Fish that look like they're from another planet aren't science fiction—they're real, living science, swimming in our own waters.

So next time you dip your head underwater with a snorkel, remember: you might be staring straight at a creature you'd otherwise only see in your dreams—or in a sci-fi movie.

 

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