Buzz
From hairy frogs to horse-faced bats, the planet boasts a variety of peculiar animals. Among them is the blobfish, scientifically known as Psychrolutes marcidus. When removed from its deep-sea environment, it transforms into a gelatinous, grumpy-looking mass. Discover seven intriguing details about this fish, whose appearance is far from conventional.
1. A SINGLE FISH BROUGHT THEM INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.
In 2003, a single blobfish named Mr. Blobby became the iconic representation of the species. Captured during the NORFANZ expedition off New Zealand’s coast at depths exceeding 3300 feet, this fish quickly gained fame. Researchers affectionately named him Mr. Blobby and photographed him, capturing his now-famous image, complete with a mucousy copepod parasite hanging from his mouth. Preserved in a 70 percent ethyl alcohol solution at the Australian Museum, Mr. Blobby’s nose has shrunk over time, altering his once “cute” appearance.
2. THEIR APPEARANCE IMPROVES AT 4000 FEET BELOW.
Rachel Caauwe via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0
The blobfish is often depicted as a droopy, lifeless creature when out of water. However, in its natural habitat deep beneath the waves, it looks far more appealing. Residing at depths of 2000 to 4000 feet, the blobfish thrives under immense pressure—up to 120 times that of sea level. Without much bone or muscle, its body depends on the crushing pressure of the deep ocean to maintain its form.
3. THEY LACK A SWIM BLADDER.
Unlike most fish, blobfish don’t possess a swim bladder, the organ that helps regulate buoyancy. In the deep sea, such a structure would collapse under the extreme pressure. Instead, blobfish rely on their gelatinous flesh to hover slightly above the ocean floor. When brought to the surface, the absence of pressure causes their skin to sag, creating their infamous flabby appearance, while sparing them from the dangers of swim bladder expansion.
4. THEY’RE NOT PARTICULARLY ENERGETIC.
With limited food sources in the deep ocean, the blobfish has adapted to conserve energy. It spends most of its time hovering just above the seabed, only moving to open its mouth when potential prey drifts by. This low-energy strategy suits its nearly muscle-free body. Its diet includes crabs, mollusks, and sea urchins, which it captures effortlessly.
5. THEY WON THE TITLE OF “WORLD’S UGLIEST ANIMAL.”
When the Ugly Animal Preservation Society sought a new mascot, they turned to public voting. In September 2013, over 3000 online votes were cast, and the blobfish emerged victorious with 795 votes, earning the title of “World’s Ugliest Animal.” It surpassed competitors like the proboscis monkey, the aquatic scrotum frog, and pubic lice. The society claims the blobfish represents the overlooked and underappreciated creatures of the animal kingdom.
6. THEY’VE BECOME A POP CULTURE ICON.
Instead of shunning the blobfish, the world—or at least the internet—has embraced it with open arms. This peculiar creature has inspired songs, poems, plush toys, and t-shirts. A blobfish cafe is even scheduled to open in London, featuring a pressurized tank housing three live blobfish named Barry, Lorcan, and Lady Swift.
7. MUCH ABOUT THEM REMAINS UNKNOWN.
Living thousands of feet beneath the ocean’s surface, blobfish remain largely enigmatic. Scientists are still in the dark about their lifespan and reproductive habits. Mark McGrouther, the Australian Museum’s fish manager, speculated to Smithsonian that their mating might involve a close, clinging embrace.
