Psychrolutes phrictus, a deep-sea blobfish, has been affectionately named “Mr. Blobby” by fans. Despite being labeled the world’s ugliest animal due to its gelatinous, tadpole-like appearance, the blobfish recently won the title of New Zealand’s fish of the year in a competition organized by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. The annual event aims to raise awareness about the diversity of fish species and the fragile state of freshwater and marine environments.
The blobfish, typically found in waters off Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, secured victory with nearly 1,300 out of over 5,500 votes. In a close contest against the orange roughy, the blobfish gained momentum and ultimately triumphed. Kim Jones, co-director of the trust, described the competition as a showdown between two unique deep-sea creatures, with the blobfish’s unconventional charm winning over voters.
Blobfish, with their bulbous heads and flabby skin, appear normal in their deep-sea habitat but transform into mushy creatures when brought to the surface due to the change in water pressure. Despite its reputation as the official mascot of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, the blobfish rallied support and claimed the spotlight from the endangered orange roughy.
The tide turned in favor of the blobfish midway through the competition, thanks to the rallying cry from two New Zealand radio hosts who urged listeners to vote for Mr. Blobby. This unexpected surge of support led to the blobfish’s triumphant victory.
The Environmental Law Initiative, which backed the orange roughy, gracefully accepted the outcome, emphasizing that the result is a win for deep-sea ecosystems and a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the environmental impact of destructive bottom trawling.
