Rare Barreleye Fish Captured in Stunning 4K Detail

WHO:

NY Post - The barreleye fish is described as a six-inch deep-sea fish.

Phys.org - The fish observed was a barreleye, identified as *Macropinna microstoma*.

Phys.org - MBARI scientists encountered the fish aboard the research vessel *David Packard*.

WHAT:

NY Post - A rarely seen barreleye fish was filmed in extreme detail.

Phys.org - MBARI scientists filmed a rarely seen barreleye fish in 4K.

Phys.org - The sighting was MBARI’s 11th observation of this fish.

NY Post - The fish is known for its translucent, submersible-like head.

NY Post - The article describes the fish as “Horrifying and beautiful.”

WHERE:

NY Post - The fish inhabits the ocean’s twilight and midnight zones, about 2,000 to 2,600 feet underwater.

Phys.org - The encounter occurred aboard the research vessel *David Packard*.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The encounter took place during a recent expedition.

WHY:

NY Post - The barreleye is rarely seen because it inhabits deep ocean zones.

HOW:

Phys.org - The fish was filmed in 4K during an expedition aboard the research vessel *David Packard*.

(UPDATED October 29, 2026 14:08 UTC)

MBARI scientists filmed a rarely seen barreleye fish, identified as *Macropinna microstoma*, in 4K during an expedition aboard the research vessel *David Packard*. The six-inch fish lives about 2,000 to 2,600 feet below the surface, in the ocean’s twilight and midnight zones, and this was MBARI’s 11th observation of the species. Its translucent, submersible-like head gives the deep-sea fish its striking appearance.