In a surprising turn of events, the blobfish, once dubbed the world’s ugliest animal, has been crowned “Fish of the Year” by a New Zealand environmental organization. This annual competition, hosted by the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, aims to raise awareness about New Zealand’s freshwater and marine life. This year, the blobfish took the top spot with over 1,300 votes out of more than 5,500 cast.
The blobfish’s victory is all the more remarkable given its previous reputation. In 2013, it was the poster child for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, a title that seemed to solidify its unflattering image. However, it appears that the tide has turned, and the blobfish has won over the hearts of voters. The competition was fierce, with the orange roughy, a deep-sea fish known for the mucous-covered growths on its head, coming in second.
The blobfish, found in the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania, can grow up to 30 centimeters in length and lives at depths of 600-1,200 meters. While its appearance may seem unusual, it’s actually well adapted to its environment. The intense pressure of the deep sea helps maintain its shape, but when brought to the surface too quickly, the decrease in pressure causes its body to change shape, becoming a soft, jelly-like mass. This transformation is what led to its reputation as the world’s ugliest animal.
Despite its unusual appearance, the blobfish has a special place in the deep-sea ecosystem. It feeds on shellfish, crabs, prawns, lobsters, and sea urchins, and has a number of unique characteristics, including a soft, flabby body and no hard bones or scales. Unfortunately, the blobfish is currently considered a vulnerable species due to the threat of deep-sea trawling.
The competition was tightly contested, with the orange roughy initially taking the lead. However, a last-minute campaign by More FM radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn helped swing the vote in favor of the blobfish. When the results were announced, the hosts were overjoyed, celebrating the blobfish’s surprise victory.
As the blobfish basks in its newfound glory, it’s clear that its unique appearance has won over the hearts of many. According to Kim Jones, co-director of the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, the competition was a battle between two often-overlooked deep-sea creatures, and the blobfish’s quirky beauty ultimately won out.
For more information, you can visit the BBC website.
