The blobfish, once called the world’s ugliest fish, has finally had its moment of glory. It was recently crowned New Zealand’s Fish of the Year in a contest organized by the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust. This event raises awareness about marine life and highlights the need to protect deep-sea species.
With nearly 1,300 votes out of 5,500, the blobfish won against tough competition. This victory proves that even the most unusual creatures deserve recognition.
The blobfish first gained attention in 2013 when it became the mascot of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. It lives deep in the ocean, mainly off the coast of Australia, at depths of 2,000 to 4,000 feet. In its natural habitat, it looks like a regular fish, but when brought to the surface, its body changes due to the lack of water pressure. This gives it the mushy, saggy look it is famous for.
The competition came down to two deep-sea fish—the blobfish and the orange roughy, a species known for its mucous-covered head. The orange roughy was leading in votes until local radio hosts from More FM, Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn, encouraged their listeners to support the blobfish. Their campaign helped it win the title.
After the victory, the radio hosts celebrated, saying that the blobfish deserved its time in the spotlight after being mocked for years.
Blobfish mainly eat mollusks, crabs, lobsters, and sea urchins. Unlike most fish, it has no skeleton or scales, making its body soft and flexible. Unfortunately, blobfish are at risk due to deep-sea fishing.
Nine out of ten fish in this contest are considered vulnerable because of overfishing and habitat destruction. The Fish of the Year competition helps raise awareness and promotes the protection of these unique species.
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