Bristlemouths are said to be the most numerous vertebrate on Earth. However, this title has been questioned over the past years and has led to much research. During the past century and a half, scientists around the world have worked to learn more about bristlemouths. The population is now thought to be within the hundreds of trillions and possibly more. In a result, bristlemouths have the highest numbers in comparison to any other known vertebrate.
The vast number of bristlemouths was first noticed in 1872, when the H.M.S Challenger captured the fish in dozens of nets that went as far as three miles. They reported that the small fish had glowing organs, a jaw that stood out and sharp teeth. In the early 1930’s William Beebe was the first to study the animals in their habitat and reported seeing “numberless little creatures” as well as some chasing a group of copepods. Dr. Robison, of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, later observed the creatures for decades using robots. He noted that the fish wiggled with their whole in the water rather than using their fins to swim. He also found that the bristlemouths small eyes had little to no role in hunting; instead the fish used his organs that lengthwise down his body to detect movement. Robison also found that the glowing dots acted as a camouflage by using the spots to blend in with the light around and eliminate their shadow. The strategy is known as counter-illumination but Robison has yet to prove its effectiveness. During the years of the Cold War, the Navy wanted …show more content…
The title for the most numerous vertebrate on Earth has been questioned numerous times but it ranks in at least the trillions- outnumbering any known vertebrate. Despite the questions remaining, the bristlemouths are still said to be the most numerous vertebrate. However, the ocean may have millions of more unknown species. Any one of which may outnumber the
The vast number of bristlemouths was first noticed in 1872, when the H.M.S Challenger captured the fish in dozens of nets that went as far as three miles. They reported that the small fish had glowing organs, a jaw that stood out and sharp teeth. In the early 1930’s William Beebe was the first to study the animals in their habitat and reported seeing “numberless little creatures” as well as some chasing a group of copepods. Dr. Robison, of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, later observed the creatures for decades using robots. He noted that the fish wiggled with their whole in the water rather than using their fins to swim. He also found that the bristlemouths small eyes had little to no role in hunting; instead the fish used his organs that lengthwise down his body to detect movement. Robison also found that the glowing dots acted as a camouflage by using the spots to blend in with the light around and eliminate their shadow. The strategy is known as counter-illumination but Robison has yet to prove its effectiveness. During the years of the Cold War, the Navy wanted …show more content…
The title for the most numerous vertebrate on Earth has been questioned numerous times but it ranks in at least the trillions- outnumbering any known vertebrate. Despite the questions remaining, the bristlemouths are still said to be the most numerous vertebrate. However, the ocean may have millions of more unknown species. Any one of which may outnumber the