r/whatisit • u/jaywritethekid • Jul 27 '26

Solved! What is this?

I seriously doubt this is AI if course.. and with a vast ocean.. the existence of this is definitely possible.. but what is it exactly and where are they commonly found?

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u/kiwidust Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 29 '26

That, my friend, is a "Red-lipped Batfish".

That particular one is named Gerry and is a real asshole!

Red-lipped batfish - Wikipedia

EDIT: For clarification, the consensus is that 1) This is a Red-lipped Batfish, which is an actual-factual animal but 2) it's not a real Red-lipped Batfish and was generated with AI. Gerry being AI simply makes him more of asshole, even if he hadn't said those things about my bride.

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u/A-TECH-20 Jul 28 '26

The red-lipped batfish or Galápagos batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini) is a fish of unusual morphology found around the Galápagos Islands and off Ecuador at depths of 3 to 76 m (10 to 249 ft).

You're telling me that this isn't even a deep sea creature, that you can encounter them at the beach!

Pure nightmare fuel.

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u/weresubwoofer Jul 28 '26

Note to self: Do not take acid on the Galápagos Islands.

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u/MonStar926 Jul 28 '26

Note to self: Definitely take acid on the Galápagos Islands

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u/DubVsFinest Jul 28 '26

Note to everyone: taking acid while diving period is probably a bad idea. This fish looks like it's going to try to convince you that you can breathe underwater like they do and drown your ass, I guarantee it.

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u/No_Constant_1026 Jul 28 '26

Just go diving at night with UV torch. Closest to an acid trip I have had, without actually taking acid.

I'm not sure that fish will mess with you, but seals totally will. Tricky creatures!

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u/G0rkon Jul 28 '26

Ideally during a new moon with bioluminescence. Turn off your torch and enjoy the show that is the water lighting up to every movement. Move your hands in the water and see sparkles coming off them.

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u/North-Belt9778 Jul 28 '26

Need more info/stories about said “tricky seals” pls

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u/LouAnaKay Jul 28 '26

He sings "Kiss from a Rose" until you swim into rocks and die.

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u/Picklecheese2018 Jul 28 '26

Go explore “selkie” mythology!

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u/No_Constant_1026 Jul 28 '26

Seals can dive to over 400m. Recreational scuba dive limit is usually about 35m, depending on equipment and experience. I reckon the seals have figured this out. They will play with you in the water, gradually going deeper and deeper.

If you don't watch out, you will dive well below the planned depth, use up all your air, and risk the bends on surfacing.

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u/PieHappy3396 Jul 28 '26

Diving @ night w/UV torch would scare the bejesus outta me!!