The fangtooth fish is among 16 species of ultra-black fish that can avoid detection by absorbing the light around them (Credit: Karen Osborn / Smithsonian NMNH)

Over the years, researchers have made numerous attempts to make Harry Potter's invisibility cloak a reality. While each version has been slightly better, none have come close to the one donned by the young wizard. Now, scientists may be able to get some tips from an unlikely source — ultra-black deep-sea fish that have evolved the capability to hide in plain sight to avoid detection.