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The blobfish is finally getting its moment in the spotlight, and this time, it's for something more than just its unconventional looks. Once dubbed the "world's ugliest animal," the deep-sea creature has been crowned New Zealand's Fish of the Year—an underdog victory no one saw coming.
The annual contest, hosted by the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, aims to highlight New Zealand's diverse marine life. Out of more than 5,500 votes, the blobfish claimed victory with nearly 1,300, surpassing its closest rival, the orange roughy.
The win was fueled by a passionate campaign, with local radio hosts rallying behind the gelatinous fish. "He has been bullied his whole life," one supporter said. "It's time for the blobfish to have his moment in the sun!"
Though often ridiculed for its saggy, lumpy appearance, the blobfish looks quite different in its natural deep-sea habitat. At depths of 600 to 1,200 meters, the high water pressure keeps its body intact, making it look more like a regular fish. However, when brought to the surface, the pressure change causes it to collapse into its now-famous droopy form.
Despite its newfound title, the blobfish remains vulnerable to deep-sea trawling, a concern conservationists hope this victory will help address. Perhaps this win will not only reshape the blobfish's reputation but also bring much-needed attention to the threats facing deep-sea species.
