Freaky Fish

Photograph courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Fishermen and scientists have found pieces of the unusual Pacific barreleye fish in their nets since 1939, but the first photos of live, intact fish were released today. Their grayish, barrel-like fish eyes are upright tubes, which are protected by a transparent dome on the top of the head, similar to the cockpit of a fighter plane.

Because of the position of the eyes, “it just looked like [they
only] looked straight up,” Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
marine technician Kim Reisenbichler said. But by watching live fish the
scientists discovered that the eyes can pivot, like a birdwatcher
pointing binoculars.

Read more about the Pacific barreleye fish and see more pictures on National Geographic News.

See more amazing fish in the Megafishes gallery.

Comments

gilly
February 24, 2009, 3:59 pm

this fish is a freaky fish that is cool
Anonymous
February 24, 2009, 4:42 pm

dont u think that fish is crazy like look at it,it’s so unique in it’s own way
luckstomper
February 25, 2009, 4:08 pm

this fish is AWE-SOME!!! I wish I could really see one of those fish in the wild!!!!

~~~~JON~~~~
(luckstomper)
ILUVanimals
February 25, 2009, 7:08 pm

This fish is SO cool! I love the ocean, and the animals inside it. The head is it’s best feature.
deeman8
February 25, 2009, 10:24 pm

some frogs are transparent!!!
pratyush3as
February 26, 2009, 8:14 am

Ow man! This fish is just GREAT!! Cool! Only if I could see one of these in the wild! oer at least in an aquarium!!
gilly
February 26, 2009, 3:40 pm

pratyush3as that is a great fish i have to give you that one i strongly agree with you
sonicguy22
February 26, 2009, 5:28 pm

ITS WEIRD BUT COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GOT TO AGREE WITH YOU GILLY
KitKat=meow
March 2, 2009, 9:40 pm

When I go back to america I hope that fish is there alt6hough I’ve seen it before
macer
March 4, 2009, 5:49 pm

THis fish creeps me out but it’s very interesting.
blizard81
March 4, 2009, 6:58 pm

OMG that look s beast
:)sam-antha(:
March 6, 2009, 11:52 am

wow…[i actually think its photoshopt...hate to burst ur bubble.]
coryblakemelichar
March 10, 2009, 2:58 pm

Actually sam-antha(:,
there are fish out there kinda like that,
it may not be the most realistic picture, but those fish are real.
esteban95
March 12, 2009, 10:33 pm

there is one fish that can blow it’s eyes up!
bubblegum300
March 14, 2009, 12:42 pm

three words- gross but cool!
sonicguy22
March 18, 2009, 6:57 pm

yeah,ur right bubblegum300 and i add to my other post and this one…
*sonicguy22*
50marcus
March 19, 2009, 5:35 pm

you are so right bubblgum300 and sonicguy22
Giratina127
May 16, 2009, 9:32 pm

That fish is so COOL! I wish i could see one of those fish in the wild!
manateemaniac
October 3, 2009, 10:15 pm

Sorry to burst YOUR bubble sam-antha(:, but that fish is real. National Geographic is a proffessional magazine and would not post a photshop in an article without saying “APRIL-FOOLS!” at the end.
Seeing as this article came out in February, not April, and the fact that that would have to be some pretty heavy-duty photoshop skills, I’m guessing this photo is most definatly the real thing
NEVER DOUBT THE POWER OF EVOLUTION!
traveler
July 11, 2010, 8:52 pm

That is so freaky lol!!!:)
piggy23
September 19, 2010, 9:40 pm

Now that is one creepy fish!☺
fishy expert123
November 5, 2012, 6:01 am

i love fish i’m gonna be a marine biogest and my first word was fish so this fish basicly normal to me
reallywubfish
January 27, 7:42 am

cool fish looks a bit like an alien craft, if you read this,, kudos