Bristlemouth
About the Bristlemouth
The most abundant vertebrate on Earth. Estimates suggest there are 100 quadrillion to 1 quintillion bristlemouths in the ocean - that is a million for every human. They were identified as the most abundant vertebrate genus in the 1970s. They have luminescent organs along their body. Over 30 species exist. They are found at 300-1,500 meters. They perform nightly vertical migrations. Despite their incredible abundance, most people have never heard of them. They are a key food source for many larger fish. Their populations may number in the hundreds of trillions. They are tiny but ecologically massive.
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