Squishy Winner Steals the Show: New Zealand's "Ugliest Animal" is Crowned "Fish of the Year"
Initially regarded as the "World's Ugliest Animal," now recognized as Fish of the Year - Once an animal notorious for its unattractiveness, now honored as the Fish of the Year.
By Eugen Epp- 2 Min Read
Let's face it, the blobfish (Psychrolutes phrictus) isn't what you'd call a looker. With its bloated, wrinkly features, it's hardly the picture of perfection. But that hasn't stopped these interesting creatures from capturing the hearts of many in New Zealand. In a bold move, the blobfish has been named the "Fish of the Year" by the Mountains To Sea organization.
Animal enthusiasts in New Zealand are on a mission to shake off the blobfish's less-than-stellar reputation. They aim to refurbish its image, and what better way than by giving it the prestigious title of "Fish of the Year"? The blobfish managed to secure the win with an impressive vote count.
Deep-Sea Beauty is More than Skin Deep
Its offbeat beauty seems to have charmed voters, clinching it the victory it so deserved. The blobfish faces threats from deep-sea fishing, often as bycatch. By celebrating this unsung hero, supporters hope to draw more attention to the struggles of deep-sea fish.
Back in 2013, the blobfish made headlines when it was crowned the world's ugliest animal in an online poll. New Zealanders are making it clear they want to give the blobfish its much-deserved moment in the spotlight, stating, "It's been bullied its whole life. It's time for the blobfish to shine!"
A Blobfish's Appearance: Not So Ugly in Hidden Depths
Contrary to its strange façade on the surface, the blobfish's skin is taut in its natural deep-sea habitat, making it resemble a conventional fish. A spokesperson for Mountains to Sea notes that on the surface, it looks like "a failed experiment." But in the depths of 800 to 2,800 meters where the pressure is high, the blobfish's skin is pulled taught, giving it a more fish-like physique.
Sources: Mountains To Sea Conservation Trust, "Guardian"
Noteworthy:
- The naming of the blobfish as "Fish of the Year" is part of an annual competition organized by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, with the goal of increasing awareness and foster the preservation of New Zealand's indigenous marine species[3][4].
- The blobfish, thanks in part to a campaign led by New Zealand radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn, secured nearly 300 more votes than its closest competitor, the orange roughy[1][2].
- The recognition of the blobfish as "Fish of the Year" serves to raise awareness of the challenges faced by deep-sea species,the need for sustainable deep-sea fishing practices, and fosters conservation momentum for lesser-known species and their habitats[3][4].
- The blobfish, despite its peculiar appearance, has been hailed as "Fish of the Year" in New Zealand, a title aimed at showcasing its unique charm and refuting its less-than-stellar reputation.
- In a move to highlight the struggles faced by deep-sea species, the blobfish, a species native to New Zealand, was named "Fish of the Year," hoping to draw more attention to the threats deep-sea fishing poses to these creatures.
- Despite its unconventional appearance on the surface, the blobfish is surprisingly fish-like in its natural deep-sea habitat, where its skin is pulled taught, revealing a more traditional shape.
