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

The deep-sea creature, once labeled the 'world's ugliest animal,' won by nearly 300 votes, spotlighting the need to protect vulnerable marine species.

The blobfish secured 1,286 votes, narrowly defeating the orange roughy in New Zealand's 2025 Fish of the Year competition organized by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.
The annual contest aims to raise awareness about New Zealand's marine and freshwater ecosystems, with this year's voter turnout reaching a record 5,583 votes.
Support from New Zealand radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn helped the blobfish gain a late surge in votes, overcoming its runner-up status earlier in the competition.
The blobfish's gelatinous body, adapted for survival in deep-sea pressures, collapses into its signature mushy form when brought to the surface, contributing to its unique appearance.
The competition has drawn attention to the environmental risks of bottom trawling, a fishing practice that threatens both the blobfish and the orange roughy.