The blobfish, previously known for its strange and somewhat unsightly appearance, has now come up with a new identity. A New Zealand environmental organization has honored this strange fish as the “Fish of the Year”. The decision was taken in an annual competition organized by the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, which is held to spread awareness about the marine and freshwater life of the country.
The blobfish, affectionately called “Mr. Blobby”, is about 12 inches (30 cm) long and has loose and bulbous skin. It is mainly found in deep seas, especially off the south-eastern coast of Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Its appearance is often described as “ultra-weird” and “ultimately ugly”, which has become quite popular in internet memes. Due to the unique physical appearance of this fish, it is also called the “ugliest animal in the world”.
Life of the blobfish
The blobfish is characterized by being very slow-growing and living in deep waters, spending most of its life in a stationary state. It waits for prey to come near its mouth to hunt and then swallows it. According to Konrad Kurta, a spokesman for the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, the fish is a “dedicated parent”, with female blobfish laying up to 100,000 eggs and protecting them until they hatch. The life of the blobfish is part of a special ecosystem and this award also reflects its importance. Looking at this fish, it becomes clear that even the most unique and unusual creatures have an important role in the ecosystem, contributing to maintaining the health and biological diversity of the water.
Blobfish popularity and meme culture
The blobfish’s strange appearance brought it widespread attention a decade ago when a crew member on a New Zealand research vessel photographed the rare animal. The blobfish received nearly 1,300 out of more than 5,500 votes to win the title of fish of the year. The title not only honors its unusual beauty, but it also highlights that beauty can vary from person to person. The blobfish’s award proves that even the most unique and unusual creatures make important contributions to the ecosystem and are worthy of protection.
This award has changed the image of the blobfish from a negative, ugly fish to an important and unique species in need of conservation.
