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Blobfish Named New Zealand's 2025 'Fish of the Year' in Conservation Push

The blobfish's victory highlights the vulnerability of deep-sea species and the role of public engagement in marine conservation efforts.

A black-and-white blob fish seen resting on the soft sediment in Middleton Canyon during Dive 15 of the Seascape Alaska 5 expedition.
Blobfish are said to take on their so-called "ugly" appearance once they are removed from the water because they don't have strong bones or thick muscles to keep their shape. It is the water pressure that maintains their relatively normal appearance in the depths of the sea.
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Overview

  • The blobfish won New Zealand's 2025 'fish of the year' competition with 1,286 votes, surpassing the orange roughy by 300 votes.
  • Organized by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, the contest aims to raise awareness of New Zealand's unique and at-risk marine biodiversity.
  • The competition saw record engagement this year, with 5,583 votes cast, reflecting growing public interest in marine conservation.
  • The blobfish's habitat is threatened by deep-sea trawling, which disrupts fragile ecosystems and endangers species like the orange roughy.
  • Known for its gelatinous anatomy and cultural resonance, the blobfish's win underscores the power of public engagement in spotlighting conservation issues.