Literature Review

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Running Head: Bizarre Gelatinous Fish

Bizarre Gelatinous Fish Found in Brazil: A Literature Review Ronald J. Lind Cape Coral High School

Bizarre Gelatinous Fish 2 Abstract Ichthyologists have been studying fish for hundreds of years. One of the many problems they face is technology. These fish experts have trouble studying the deep sea that could introduce many new discoveries. With technological advances, fish zoologists will be able to study the fascinating fish that could display unique properties, possibly improving the future. Through an extensive literature review, three topics are examined that explain the importance of understanding the unknown and studying new creatures of the ocean. A specific example included is the study of a fish from the family of Ateleopodidae. The articles explain the difficulties in researching for the taxonomy of “jellynose” fish. Lastly, the explanation of declaring this species as new or previously discovered is elucidated.

Bizarre Gelatinous Fish 3 Bizarre Gelatinous Fish Found in Brazil: A Literature Review According to Ker Than (2009), the study of deep sea fish has been around since the 1840s. This is fairly new when relating it to how long the earth has been around. Many ichthyologists have developed questions relating to a deep sea creature that requires more research in order to validate the study. The following questions are ones that scientists have created that contradict one another: 1. Does the location of where this gelatinous fish was found, indicate that it belongs to the Ateleopodidae family, discovered back in the 1840s? 2.

Why hasn’t there been any further research on the bizarre fish?

3. Is this creature new? Does it have similarities to jellynose fish that declare it being related to that group of specimens? This literature review on the gelatinous fish focuses on these three main questions. Does the Location Indicate its Specific Taxonomic Family? In an influential article, Ker Than (2009) argued that fish experts can easily identify every group of fish. “Jellynose fish are usually found off northwestern Western Australia and from off southern Queensland to central New South Wales” (Hoese, Bray, Paxton, G.R. 2006). Hoese et al. explain that these fishes occur in tropical, temperate marine waters in depths of 600 meters. These fish are not found in “Brazilian” temperatures. In retrospect, the studies and declarations of Hoese et al. were made far too soon. According to Ker Than (2009), a sea turtle convention group, known as TAMAR, discovered the gelatinous fish floating off the coast of Brazil. Hoese et al. said that this

Bizarre Gelatinous Fish 4 could not be, but the proof of TAMAR contradicts their statements. Jellynose fish can be found at depths of any range of ocean and any place. It is a matter of who puts forth the effort to making new discoveries. The study of gelatinous animals can be improved with accompany of fellow colleagues in the marine science world. The location of Jellynose fish does not indicate that it automatically belongs to a specific group. It is inequitable to classify this animal as something it is not. Location does not prove this new species belongs to the Ateleopodidae family. Assumptions cannot be made based on the insufficient research given on this topic. Why hasn’t there been any further research on the bizarre fish? Do scientists feel any sensitivity towards examining the gelatinous creature found off the coast of Brazil? There have been many reasons for avoidance of studying this significant and fascinating creature. Ker Than (2009) claims the main problem is the commercial value and the rarity of the fish. “The fish need to be well investigated”, says Than (2009). Because there are only about twelve species, the fish are hard to find and catch (Hoese, Bray, Paxton, G.R. 2006). The money for catching the fish is not a large quantity. Debates among scientists even caring for them have been questioned. Is the fish worth studying and worth learning more about? Scientists need to be effectively involved in studying every species, no matter what the value or rarity is. Because little studies have been conducted, scientists cannot conclude that there is nothing the fish can do to contribute to society. These fish, like any other out in the sea, could possibly contain chemicals to cure diseases. Substances in the fish could possibly introduce new elements or new discoveries “men” have not come

Bizarre Gelatinous Fish 5 across. It is absurd to make any conclusions without an in depth investigation of that species. When scientists have enough data on the new creature, they will then be able to decide whether this species is valuable or not. Technological advancements need to be made to accommodate resourceful information as well. What are the similarities between the new fish and the family Atelepodidae? Does this newly discovered creature contain qualities that classify it as members of a different family? Has there been an undocumented discovery that explains everything about the gelatinous animal? Scientists have just not been able to differentiate between this. Many people think of gelatinous fish as blobs that appear on beaches. The truth is they are composed of much more. According to Bigelow (1920), gelatinous animals can be identified by looking at the properties such as in a hydromedusae, siphonophores, scyphomedusae, ctenophores, heteropod, salp, etc. The newly found gelatinous creature is supposed to be able to be classified as either of them. Because the creature is entirely too new, it is hard to say whether it possesses qualities mentioned above. From what is known to scientists, the research that had already been conducted explains that the new creature possesses only some of them properties. It is unclear if the gelatinous animal is a new species. Once again, scientists cannot assume that it belongs to the family of Ateleopodidae. The improvement of methods studying gelatinous, deep sea creatures is mandatory. Although assumptions of many scientists and ichthyologists have been accepted by the people, it is to be acknowledged that there is insufficient research on this creature. People are being misled with false information. The people and scientists need to

Bizarre Gelatinous Fish 6 understand the importance of further investigating the study. It is possible to improve engineering techniques to allow scientists to go deep in the sea to make observations of the gelatinous creature. When this time comes, the world will discover the new things deep sea creatures provide. Whether it be advancing medically or advancing with knowledge of a new species, people will understand the deep sea life and be able to conclude with reliable information.

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References Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. (2006). Fishes. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, Pp. 1 -2178. Bigelow, H.B. (1920). Medusae and ctenophores from the Canadian Arctic Expedition, p. 3-19, pl.1-2 In Report of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913-18 VIII Mollusks, Echinoderms, Coelenterates, etc. Kings Printer, Ottawa. Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. (1989). Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. Pp. i-xii, 1-665. Than, K. (2009, September 22). Bizarre Gelatinous Fish [rss feed]. Retrieved from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/09/090922-bizarre-gelatinous-fish -brazil.html