Culture

Blobfish Named New Zealand's 2025 Fish of the Year

Published MAR 19 2025

Story

Above: The Psychrolutes phrictus fish. Image credit: HUM Images/Contributor/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Facts

The blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) secured New Zealand's 2025 Fish of the Year title with 1,286 votes, beating the orange roughy by nearly 300 votes in a competition that drew 5,583 total votes.
Stuff
Independent
Previously dubbed the world's ugliest animal, it was made the mascot of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society in 2013. The blobfish's victory came after a crucial endorsement from More FM radio station during the final week of campaigning.
NBC
BBC News
Smithsonianmag
Native to the deep waters around New Zealand and Australia, the blobfish lives at depths of 2K-4K feet. It lacks a skeleton and swim bladder and can grow up to 12 inches long. The blobfish uses its unique anatomy to survive extreme pressure conditions.
New York Post
CNN
The blobfish's characteristic blob-like appearance occurs only when brought to the surface, as the sudden decompression disfigures its body. In its natural habitat, however, due to high water pressure, it maintains a more typical fish shape.
guardian
Independent
New York Post
Conservation groups consider nine out of 10 nominees for the Fish of the Year vulnerable. Blobfish are often caught as bycatch during bottom trawling operations targeting orange roughy.
Mountains to Sea
BBC News
The competition, organized by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, aims to raise awareness about New Zealand's marine life and fragile ecosystems.
Stuff
Rova

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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The Spin

Narrative A

The blobfish's victory is a triumph of unconventional beauty and a chance for an underappreciated species to shine after years of being mocked for its appearance. It proves that even the most maligned creatures deserve recognition and protection.

NBC

Stuff

Narrative B

The close competition between the blobfish and orange roughy highlights urgent conservation challenges in deep-sea ecosystems. Both species face significant threats from bottom trawling practices, with New Zealand controlling 80% of global orange roughy catches.

Independent

guardian