Made up of blobby tissue and living deep in the ocean, the distinctive species beat the longfin eel and pygmy pipehorse in the annual contest

Summary

The blobfish, once named the “world’s ugliest animal,” has won New Zealand’s Fish of the Year contest.

Living in deep, high-pressure waters off New Zealand and Australia, the gelatinous fish lacks a full skeleton and muscles, allowing it to float.

Despite its odd appearance, it is a dedicated parent, protecting up to 100,000 eggs. The contest, run by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, saw a record 5,583 votes, with the blobfish securing 1,286.

Deep-sea trawling threatens its population, but conservation efforts are gaining attention.