The blobfish, known as the world’s ugliest animal, has been named New Zealand’s Fish of the Year.
According to the BBC on Wednesday, the blobfish took first place in a recent Fish of the Year vote organized by New Zealand’s marine conservation group, the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust. The blobfish received about 1,300 votes out of 5,500.
Blobfish, first discovered in 2003, are typically found near southeastern Australia and Tasmania. They live at ocean depths of 600 to 1,200 meters.
Under deep-sea pressure, the blobfish retains a typical fish shape, but once brought to the surface, it transforms into its signature droopy, gelatinous form.
The blobfish lacks a solid skeleton and developed muscles, making it incapable of maintaining its shape on land. In 2013, the Ugly Animal Preservation Society named it the world’s ugliest animal.
However, blobfish populations have declined due to deep-sea trawling and are currently classified as vulnerable.
Another deep-sea fish, orange roughy, took second place in this year’s vote. They are mainly found in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa at depths between 180 and 1,800 meters.
The organization stated that 9 of the 10 fish nominated this year are endangered.
This annual event raises awareness about marine life conservation in New Zealand.
