The Blobfish – Fun Facts About the “Ugliest” Fish in the World
© Kerryn Parkinson / NORFANZ
Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, everyone can agree that this fish is rather peculiar. The blobfish, just as the name suggests, is a fish that is not so pleasing to the eye. But, to be fair, it is hard to sound adorable with a name like “blobfish”. And, giving this little fella the benefit of the doubt, other fish or sea creatures have more majestic names than that.
What Is a Blobfish?
The blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) is a deep-sea fish that has gained fame for its unusual appearance. It is often described as one of the world’s ugliest fish due to its distinctive, gelatinous, and somewhat amorphous appearance. Here are some key characteristics of the blobfish:b
Blobfish are typically pinkish or pale in color and have a gelatinous, almost translucent flesh. Their body lacks traditional scales, and they have a soft, saggy, and droopy appearance. Their large, bulbous nose and downturned mouth give them a somewhat sad or “blob-like” expression, which is how they got their name.
They are found at depths of around 2,000 to 4,000 feet (600 to 1,200 meters) in the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. The extreme pressure at these depths allows their gelatinous bodies to maintain their shape.
Their gelatinous body is an adaptation to the high-pressure, low-oxygen environment of the deep sea. The lack of muscles and a swim bladder helps conserve energy in this low-energy environment, where food is scarce.
Blobfish primarily feed on edible matter that drifts down from the surface, such as small invertebrates and other marine organisms. They are also not currently considered a threatened or endangered species. However, they face potential threats from deep-sea fishing practices that involve trawling the ocean floor, which can accidentally capture them in fishing nets.
Why Is the Blobfish Referred to As the Ugliest Fish in the World?
Blobfish have made a name for themselves as the ugliest type of fish in the world. One look at a picture of it will explain why. But, why do they even look this ugly?
The blobfish does not actually look like that. At least, it does not look THAT bad! The thing is, when a blobfish is removed from the water, its entire face and body sinks down, leaving it to have that sluggish appearance.
Blobfish, a species found in the deep ocean at depths ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters, are adapted to high-pressure environments with their soft, boneless bodies and minimal muscles. When removed from their natural habitat, the decompression causes them to expand and lose their structure, giving them their characteristic “ugly” appearance. However, in their natural underwater habitat, they do not look as distorted.
