WATCH: First-ever video of 'black seadevil' reveals frightening monster in its own habitat



MONTEREY BAY, California --  It is a creature most people have only seen in horror movies and nightmares.

Now researchers on a dive off the California coast have captured first-ever video of the frightening and elusive 'black seadevil.'

The fish, also called an anglerfisher, was seen almost 1,900 feet below the ocean's surface by scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute reported USA Today .

Black seadevils have a large glowing appendage on their heads that is used to attract their prey.



While the video of the fish is menacing, researchers say it actually shows an animal just 9 centimeters long.

They also suspect this specimen to be female due to the shape of the body.

The video, which was posted to YouTube is believed to be the first video footage ever made of this species alive and at depth.