This Fish Bulks Up When Danger is Near

The video discusses how certain fish, like the gilthead sea bream, can change their body size in response to predator threats. This adaptation, similar to a 'fish Hulk,' involves a gradual size increase when exposed to predator chemicals. The gilthead sea bream, found in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, is one of the first marine species observed with this ability. Researchers conducted a study in a controlled environment to understand this phenomenon, using chemical cues from predators. The study found that the sea bream could return to their original size once the threat was removed. This ability may affect their fitness and commercial stock levels, and further research is needed to understand the long-term impacts.

What challenges do researchers face when studying the bulking behavior of fish in the open ocean?

Discuss the potential implications of the gilthead sea bream's ability to bulk up on commercial stock levels.