February 17th 2025.
It's hard to believe, but videos of people crying over a tiny fish have gone viral, racking up over a million views. In one clip, TikToker Kaleigh can be seen sobbing as she says, "She was so small, and she was so mighty, and she did that all on her own," and then asks, "Was she proud of herself?" The emotional reaction might make you think that Kaleigh is talking about a heart-wrenching human story, but in fact, she's referring to a tiny anglerfish, also known as the "possibly the ugliest animal on the planet."
This particular fish was caught on camera by researchers in Tenerife, swimming towards the surface of the water. What makes this so remarkable is that anglerfish typically live in the depths of the ocean, thousands of meters below where this one was spotted. Not only that, but they have a unique glowing structure on their head called a "lure" that helps them attract prey in the dark depths.
Out of the 200 species of anglerfish, this one, a black seadevil, has never been seen so close to the surface before. These fish are known to live as deep as 6,500 feet under the sea. The researchers in the Canary Islands have a few theories as to why this little fish was so far from home. It's possible that it was swallowed by a predator who brought it to the surface, or maybe it got trapped in a rising column of warm water.
But for TikTokers, this fish with a face only a mother could love has become a symbol of "revelations, change, and awakening." The viral image of the fish has been shared and stitched far and wide, eliciting emotional responses from viewers. One commenter wrote, "I hope she knows a bunch of humans are so proud of her," while another said, "She swims in light that she didn't have to make by herself." Some were even moved to tears over the tragic fate of the now-famous creature.
So why are people crying over an anglerfish? According to Dr. Nivedita Nayak, a psychologist and psychotherapist, it's because many people see themselves in the little fish. "The anglerfish has spent its entire life in the deep, dark ocean, a place of survival and isolation," she explains. "Now, it is swimming toward something brighter, something unknown, even though it will not survive the journey." This struggle speaks to the human experience of endurance, resilience, and moving towards something greater, even at a high cost.
It's not just women who are connecting with this story, but they seem to have a particularly strong emotional response. Dr. Nayak notes that women often relate to stories of persistence and transformation, and the anglerfish's journey mirrors many real-life emotional journeys. Plus, the emotional connection between viewers is amplifying the reaction online. "When people see others crying over the video, it reinforces their own emotions," Dr. Nayak says. "It becomes a shared experience, a moment of collective understanding, which is why a simple video of a fish can feel so deeply moving."
So, if you find yourself crying over this tiny but mighty fish, you're not alone. The story of the anglerfish has captured the hearts of social media users and resonated with many on an emotional level. And who knows, maybe this little fish's journey towards the light will inspire us all to push forward and embrace change, no matter the cost.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
