The ocean is wrought with mysteries, most of which are far beyond our reach. In some ways, this is true for the fangtooth fish. According to Oceana, scientists have encountered difficulties pinning down this maritime marvel’s erratic behavior due to its efficiency in swimming thousands of feet beneath the surface. In other words, the fangtooth fish is pretty unpredictable.

What we do know is that he’s a deep-sea swimmer with an appetite for crustaceans. That appetite sometimes lures this otherwise deep-ocean dweller to the shallow shores. This is right in your vicinity. While in the shadows of the shallow end, fangtooth fish are known to be as patient as they are vicious, taking a “sit and wait” approach to hunting for their prey. Their extraordinarily long teeth combine with a keen sense of smell and a tiny size perfect for blending into the waves inconspicuously. Anyone familiar with the ocean knows what an incredible weapon camouflage can be for capturing unsuspecting morsels.