The blobfish, scientifically as Psychrolutes marcidus, is a captivating creature measuring about a foot in length, residing in the depths of the ocean off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. Its uniqueness lies in its soft bones, limited musculature, and the absence of a swim bladder – the gas-filled organ that aids most bony fish in buoyancy control. Yet, this doesn’t mean the blobfish helplessly sinks to the ocean floor. Instead, its body boasts a jelly-like consistency, slightly less dense than the surrounding water, allowing it to hover just above the ocean floor, patiently awaiting passing prey such as small crustaceans.
Encounters with live blobfish are exceptionally rare, given their limited habitat range and preference for depths between 2,000 and 4,000 feet below the ocean’s surface. Most human encounters involve deceased specimens inadvertently caught by deep-sea fishing trawlers employing nets to gather marine life from the ocean’s depths. Unfortunately, blobfish cannot survive at sea level air pressure, which further contributes to their elusive nature and underrepresentation in photographs.
The most renowned blobfish, affectionately named “Mr. Blobby,” was discovered by the research vessel NORFANZ in 2003 and now resides preserved at the Australian Museum. This particular blobfish resembles a deflated character balloon, akin to one that has gradually lost helium. It’s this preserved individual that has become synonymous with the term “blobfish” and even earned the title of the world’s “ugliest animal” in a mascot competition hosted by the comedy/conservation group, the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, back in 2013.
However, scientists speculate that the blobfish may not be as “blobby” as it appears out of its natural habitat. Drawing insights from the appearances of other members of the fathead sculpin family, researchers believe that the blobfish may possess a more appealing form in its deep-sea environment.
Perhaps, beneath its notorious appearance, the blobfish conceals a hidden beauty waiting to be unveiled.
