This year's "Fish of the Year" title was awarded to the blobfish, recognized for both its looks and its vulnerable status, reflecting efforts to raise awareness about marine biodiversity.
Blobfish Crowned 'Fish of the Year' in New Zealand Amid Environmental Awareness Efforts
Blobfish Crowned 'Fish of the Year' in New Zealand Amid Environmental Awareness Efforts
A New Zealand environmental group's annual competition recognizes the blobfish, emphasizing not just its unusual appearance but also the importance of marine conservation.
The blobfish, often referred to as the world's ugliest animal, has captured the attention of both the public and conservationists alike. In a recent competition run by the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust in New Zealand, this gelatinous creature was named "Fish of the Year" after securing over 1,300 of the more than 5,500 total votes cast. The competition aims to promote awareness regarding New Zealand's unique freshwater and marine species.
Prized for its unexpected win, the blobfish has long been known for its soft and lumpy appearance, having garnered the title of "world's ugliest animal" in 2013 as the mascot for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. Typically residing on the seafloor, the blobfish grows to approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in length and can be found along the coasts of Australia and Tasmania, at depths ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet (600-1,200 meters).
The blobfish's striking form, referred to as "mushy," is a consequence of being rapidly brought to the surface from its high-pressure natural habitat, where its true fish-like shape is preserved. This year, the orange roughy, a member of the slimehead family, came in second place in the contest, signaling a competitive showdown between two deep-sea species.
According to Kim Jones, co-director of the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, the competition was shaped by local enthusiasm, particularly a fervent campaign led by radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn from More FM, who rallied listeners to vote for the blobfish. The duo expressed a desire to see this often-overlooked fish receive the recognition it deserves, citing the creature's "patient" demeanor as it awaits its next meal in deep waters.
While the blobfish primarily consumes mollusks, it also includes crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, along with sea urchins in its diet. Characteristically devoid of a conventional skeleton and scales, it features a soft, flabby body that distinguishes it from typical fish.
The annual event also shines a light on the vulnerability of marine species, with nine out of the ten nominees recognized as endangered by conservation groups. Indeed, the blobfish is among those categorized as vulnerable due to the pressures of deep-sea trawling.
This recognition of unique marine life parallels New Zealand's Bird of the Year competition, hosted by the conservation organization Forest & Bird, reminding all of the ongoing need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species both in the water and in the air.
Prized for its unexpected win, the blobfish has long been known for its soft and lumpy appearance, having garnered the title of "world's ugliest animal" in 2013 as the mascot for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. Typically residing on the seafloor, the blobfish grows to approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in length and can be found along the coasts of Australia and Tasmania, at depths ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet (600-1,200 meters).
The blobfish's striking form, referred to as "mushy," is a consequence of being rapidly brought to the surface from its high-pressure natural habitat, where its true fish-like shape is preserved. This year, the orange roughy, a member of the slimehead family, came in second place in the contest, signaling a competitive showdown between two deep-sea species.
According to Kim Jones, co-director of the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, the competition was shaped by local enthusiasm, particularly a fervent campaign led by radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn from More FM, who rallied listeners to vote for the blobfish. The duo expressed a desire to see this often-overlooked fish receive the recognition it deserves, citing the creature's "patient" demeanor as it awaits its next meal in deep waters.
While the blobfish primarily consumes mollusks, it also includes crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, along with sea urchins in its diet. Characteristically devoid of a conventional skeleton and scales, it features a soft, flabby body that distinguishes it from typical fish.
The annual event also shines a light on the vulnerability of marine species, with nine out of the ten nominees recognized as endangered by conservation groups. Indeed, the blobfish is among those categorized as vulnerable due to the pressures of deep-sea trawling.
This recognition of unique marine life parallels New Zealand's Bird of the Year competition, hosted by the conservation organization Forest & Bird, reminding all of the ongoing need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species both in the water and in the air.
