What is the ugliest animal in the world?

The blobfish ( Psychrolutes marcidus) is often cited as the "ugliest animal in the world." This unfortunate title is largely due to its appearance out of its natural habitat.

• Appearance: The blobfish has a gelatinous, flabby body with a density slightly less than water. This allows it to float effortlessly above the seafloor without expending energy on swimming. When brought to the surface, the sudden pressure change causes its body to expand and deform, giving it the iconic, drooping, "ugly" appearance. In its natural environment, at depths of 600–1,200 meters (2,000–3,900 ft), it looks much more like a typical fish.

• Habitat: They are native to the deep waters off the coasts of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. This deep-sea environment is characterized by extreme pressure.

• Diet: Blobfish are opportunistic eaters, likely consuming small invertebrates and whatever edible material drifts within reach.

• Conservation Status: Blobfish are listed as near threatened, largely due to the impact of deep-sea trawling. They are often caught as bycatch, meaning they are unintentionally caught by fishing nets targeting other species. This is the main threat for the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/conservation%20status">conservation status</a> of this animal.

• Why "ugliest"? The blobfish's "ugliness" is a consequence of being observed outside its natural high-pressure environment. It's a matter of perspective and highlights the impact of human interaction on deep-sea creatures.