More than a decade after being crowned the “world’s ugliest animal,” the blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) has staged an unexpected comeback—winning New Zealand’s “Fish of the Year” competition.
The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust organized the contest, where the deep-sea creature secured 1,286 votes, edging out the orange roughy by fewer than 300 votes when polling closed on Sunday.
Known for its gelatinous, sagging appearance, the blobfish has long been a subject of online memes and jokes. However, its unique anatomy serves a vital purpose—allowing it to survive at extreme ocean depths off the coasts of New Zealand and Australia. Unlike most fish, the blobfish lacks a full skeleton, scales, and muscles, instead relying on its soft, low-density tissue to float above the seafloor.
Despite its comical reputation, conservationists warn that deep-sea trawling is putting the blobfish’s habitat at risk. The species is often caught as bycatch while fishing for orange roughy, another deep-sea fish currently struggling with population decline.
Kim Jones, co-director of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, emphasized the connection between the two species.
“It was fitting that the blobfish and orange roughy were close at the end,” Jones said. “They share the same deep-sea environments, and protecting roughy habitats could also help the blobfish.”
While the orange roughy finished second, the blue cod placed last, receiving only 260 votes.
Conservationists hope the blobfish’s surprise victory will bring greater awareness to deep-sea conservation, shifting the focus from its notorious appearance to the serious threats facing its ecosystem.