Meet the ugliest fish in the world!

Who would have imagined it? This contest, organized by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, aims to raise awareness about marine and freshwater biodiversity. And they certainly succeeded! The blobfish's victory highlights its uniqueness and the growing public interest in these underwater wonders.

The blobfish didn't win easily. In this competition, it faced off against the orange roughy, another deep-sea fish with a no less peculiar appearance. With 1,286 votes in its favor, the blobfish surpassed its closest rival by nearly 300 votes. Radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn played a crucial role, encouraging their audience to vote for this gelatinous competitor from their show on More FM. Who said radio no longer had power?

The blobfish's habitat, located between 600 and 1,200 meters deep in the waters of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, makes it a master of adaptation. At those depths, its gelatinous and incomplete skeletal body allows it to float effortlessly, patiently waiting for its food to come to it. Talk about a home delivery service!

Deep-sea trawling poses a significant threat to the blobfish, often capturing it as an unwanted bycatch. This fishing also affects the orange roughy, making every vote a tool for protecting their habitats. A spokesperson for the Environmental Law Initiative emphasized that a victory for the blobfish also represents a step forward for its competitor. What a team!

The blobfish shot to stardom after an image of its appearance out of its habitat went viral over a decade ago. In its natural environment, where the pressure is high, this fish resembles its marine companions, though perhaps a bit more bulbous. However, when quickly dragged to the surface, it suffers decompression that leaves it with a rather... peculiar appearance. A makeover that even the best stylists could not imagine!

The contest attracted a total of 5,583 votes, double that of the previous year. This increase reflects a growing interest in marine conservation. As Konrad Kurta, spokesperson for the organizing trust, mentioned, raising awareness about these species is essential, as 85% of New Zealand's native fish face some type of threat. Among the other nominees were the longfin eel, various sharks, and the pygmy seahorse. But in the end, it was the blobfish that took home the crown. Who would have thought that "ugliness" could be so captivating!

So, the next time you feel a bit out of place, remember the blobfish. Even the most unusual beings can shine in their own light, or at least win a popularity contest in the process!