Scientists Spot a Live 'Ghost Fish' for the First Time

No, it’s not a subversive promo for Sony’s new Ghostbusters remake: Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that a member of the rarely seen Aphyonidae family of eel-like fish was caught alive on camera for the first time during an exploration at Mariana Trench Marine National Monument east of the Philippines.

NOAA

The 4-inch-long fish—known for its translucent skin and unpigmented eyes—was found about 8200 feet below the ocean’s surface. While specimens from the Aphyonidae family have usually been caught by accident, the discovery marks the first time one has been seen alive.

Bruce Mundy, fishery biologist at the NOAA, calls the ghost fish sighting one of the “bucket list” items for his profession. If you’re charmed by ocean life that looks vaguely like Casper, be sure to check out the translucent octopus found by the NOAA earlier this year.

[h/t LiveScience]

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