Why is TikTok crying over a fish? How the most unlikely animals become symbols of hope and healing

If I saw a black seadevil anglerfish, a little sea-dweller with razor-like teeth and eyes that scan the darkest depths of the ocean, I would weep with fright too.

But that’s not the reason why TikTok is weeping. The platform, which now has an established reputation for making unexpected things go viral, is shedding tears over an anglerfish. The fish, known for its eerie, bioluminescent lure used to attract prey, has now become a symbol of empathy, vulnerability and strange beauty of the deep sea.

Why, so?

The emotional appeal of the anglerfish: A TikTok phenomenon

In late January, the seadevil captured global attention when it was spotted near the surface by a team of researchers off the coast of Tenerife in the Spanish Canary Islands. The rare sighting was described as a dream come true  by one of the photographers in the group, who managed to capture the moment on camera. The team observed the injured fish for several hours, before it ultimately passed away.

On social media, the seadevil has become an unlikely hero, capturing hearts with its recent dramatic journey from the depths of the ocean, typically between 200 to 2,000 meters—up to the surface. The fish's long and perilous journey, which eventually ended in death, has been reimagined by fans as a poignant, almost mythical hero's journey, turning this deep-sea wanderer into a symbol of resilience and the untold struggles of the ocean’s mysterious creatures.

Viewers began to connect with the anglerfish’s solitary existence, reflecting on its life in the black depths where light is scarce, and survival is a constant struggle. In fact, users have crafted valiant backstories of the ‘brave’ fish’, who ‘longed for more’ but just ‘couldn’t turn back’.  

Many people expressed that the anglerfish appeared 'sad' or 'lonely,' sentiments that mirrored its intimidating yet oddly pitiful appearance. This emotional connection has sparked a wave of hashtags, with people composing ballads, writing poems, creating fan art, and even designing tattoos.

So, we don’t know why the little fish decided to swim to the surface, though scientists believe it could have been a current or illness. Nevertheless, TikTok has woven a tragic tale around the fish, reminiscent of the old poem The Lady of Shalott, where a woman cursed to view the world only through a mirror, longs for freedom after glimpsing a knight ride by.

 She dies, of course.

While TikTok's emotional narrative focuses on the anglerfish's solitary, almost fabled journey, it’s part of a broader trend on the platform: Transforming strange and misunderstood creatures into symbols of healing and resilience.

How TikTok turns the most unlikely animals into symbols of healing

Beyond the emotional resonance, there’s something captivating about how TikTok has a talent for spotlighting the unusual, elevating these odd creatures in its over-the-top, often whimsical style.

London-based behavioral psychologist Tabitha Ashford sheds light on the emotional wave surrounding these animal stars. “I think videos expressing fondness for such creatures create a sense of solidarity and community. People find comfort in the unexpected narratives these animals seem to tell, whether they’re accurate or not. There’s a certain addictive storytelling element at play."

Take the capybara, for example. Instagram reels are flooded with them. These creatures adored for their laid-back nature and ability to coexist peacefully with other species. "People share these videos with captions like ‘Mood,’ because watching them brings a sense of calm. It’s soothing, and that’s why people scroll endlessly, mesmerised by their cuteness," she says.

Similarly, the axolotl’s popularity surged not just because of its charming face and apparent immortality, but because TikTok users reimagined it as a symbol of regeneration and hope. Ashford suggests that TikTok has become a platform for expressing hope, even if others find it overly dramatic. These animals, often seen as strange or grotesque, resonate with the complex emotions of human viewers.

It comes down to perception. Some people might just see a capybara. Others, like many on TikTok view them as animals who don’t hide their flaws, nor do they put on a show for validation,” Ashford explains. “They’re just existing, odd as they are. This seemingly raw transparency makes them relatable, and their popularity offers an opportunity for emotional release and connection.”

People find comfort in watching the capybara basking in the sun with a family of ducks or the axolotl peacefully gliding through the water. “It’s up to you how you perceive these animals and the videos surrounding them. They can just be animals, living their own lives, they can embody how you wish to live—unbothered, moisturised, and flourishing,” she says.

Through TikTok’s emotional storytelling, animals like the anglerfish, capybara, and axolotl offer more than just entertainment. They become metaphors for navigating darkness, embracing vulnerability, and finding beauty in the unexpected corners of life.

Humanising scientific marvels

While most might dismiss TikTok, psychologists are intrigued by how it portrays animals through a humanised lens.

 Sajni Kalki, an Abu Dhabi-based environment specialist says that while documentaries focus on their fascinating biology, their place in the food chain, and their role in maintaining oceanic ecosystems, TikTok brings a certain level of emotional engagement. “Moving beyond clinical terms like survival tactics, aggressive feeding habits, you now have a softer story about the anglerfish. The community has transformed this story into a poignant symbol of strength. Even if you're cynical and view it as mere drama, it's hard to deny that this platform wields significant influence with its narratives, even when they can be a bit questionable at times."

And so, through its blend of humor, empathy, and creativity, TikTok has somehow transformed animals like the anglerfish, capybara, and axolotl from mere oddities into symbols of hope, vulnerability, and quiet strength.

Perhaps this is where TikTok’s true success lies: In its ability to take strange or distant creatures and seamlessly weave their narratives into the fabric of the human experience, offering comfort, connection, and emotional healing. In a world often ruled by clinical facts and presentations, TikTok reminds us that the most profound stories can emerge from the most unexpected places. The best part? You don’t even have to be on the app to know.

The stories will find you, regardless.