Rare deep-sea gulper eel filmed with inflated stomach in 'first-of-its-kind footage'

A rare deep-sea creature has been filmed swimming in the dark depths of the ocean with an engorged belly, in what is thought to be first-of-its-kind footage. The gulper eel, which can live up to 2,000ft below the ocean's surface, was filmed off the coast of Costa Rica swimming with an inflated stomach after tucking into a recent meal on June 20. Scientists at the Schmidt Ocean Institute piloted a remotely operated vehicle to explore octopuses along the Dorado Outcrop near Costa Rica, the institute said in a news release. Watch more videos at the Independent TV: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/editors-pick Click here to subscribe to The Independent: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/theindependent/videos Videos, daily editorial and more: http://www.theindy.com Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Like The Independent on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/TheIndependentOnline Follow The Independent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Independent Follow The Independent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.independent Download the iOS & Android app: https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - https://www.independent.co.uk/donations Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: https://bit.ly/2MiOONB