In a remarkable turn of events, the blobfish, once labeled the world's ugliest animal, has risen to fame by being named Fish of the Year by the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust in New Zealand.
Blobfish Triumphs as New Zealand's Fish of the Year
Blobfish Triumphs as New Zealand's Fish of the Year
An unlikely champion, the blobfish is celebrated for its unique qualities while raising awareness about vulnerable marine life.
A significant moment for marine conservation, the blobfish gathered nearly 1,300 votes out of more than 5,500 cast during this annual competition aimed at highlighting the rich diversity of New Zealand's aquatic ecosystem. The contest encourages public engagement and awareness around both freshwater and marine species, showcasing the importance of preserving such unique life forms.
The blobfish gained notoriety as the mascot for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society back in 2013, and its undeserved reputation for ugliness stems from its appearance when brought to the surface, where it develops a soft, lumpy shape due to drastic changes in pressure. However, in its natural deep-sea environment, the blobfish appears much more like a typical fish, growing up to about 12 inches (30 cm) and residing in depths of 2,000 to 4,000 feet off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania.
Competing closely for the title was the orange roughy, a deep-sea fish recognized for the mucous canals on its head. Kim Jones, co-director of the conservation trust, noted the excitement in the contest where quirky deep-sea creatures captured the public's imagination. Thanks to an enthusiastic campaign from local radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn of More FM, voters rallied behind the blobfish, declaring, "It needs your vote for its moment in the sun."
Following its victory, the radio hosts celebrated the blobfish’s resilience, pointing out that like many unique species in New Zealand waters, it faces threats from deep-sea trawling, which has led to its classification as vulnerable. Notably, nine out of the ten nominees for this year’s contest are identified by conservation groups as at risk, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and protection efforts.
The blobfish's victory aligns with New Zealand's ongoing commitment to sustainability, including their Bird of the Year contest by Forest & Bird, which spotlights endangered avian species. As awareness around marine conservation continues to grow, the blobfish stands as a peculiar yet vital reminder of the beauty inherent in all forms of life, particularly those often overlooked or deemed "ugly."
The blobfish gained notoriety as the mascot for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society back in 2013, and its undeserved reputation for ugliness stems from its appearance when brought to the surface, where it develops a soft, lumpy shape due to drastic changes in pressure. However, in its natural deep-sea environment, the blobfish appears much more like a typical fish, growing up to about 12 inches (30 cm) and residing in depths of 2,000 to 4,000 feet off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania.
Competing closely for the title was the orange roughy, a deep-sea fish recognized for the mucous canals on its head. Kim Jones, co-director of the conservation trust, noted the excitement in the contest where quirky deep-sea creatures captured the public's imagination. Thanks to an enthusiastic campaign from local radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn of More FM, voters rallied behind the blobfish, declaring, "It needs your vote for its moment in the sun."
Following its victory, the radio hosts celebrated the blobfish’s resilience, pointing out that like many unique species in New Zealand waters, it faces threats from deep-sea trawling, which has led to its classification as vulnerable. Notably, nine out of the ten nominees for this year’s contest are identified by conservation groups as at risk, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and protection efforts.
The blobfish's victory aligns with New Zealand's ongoing commitment to sustainability, including their Bird of the Year contest by Forest & Bird, which spotlights endangered avian species. As awareness around marine conservation continues to grow, the blobfish stands as a peculiar yet vital reminder of the beauty inherent in all forms of life, particularly those often overlooked or deemed "ugly."
