What Is Psychrolutes marcidus?
You might recognize this sea creature from viral photos showing a sad-looking, jelly-like fish. That oddball is Psychrolutes marcidus, more famously known as the blobfish. While it may not win beauty contests, this unusual fish is one of the most interesting animals living in the depths of our oceans.
Let’s explore what makes the blobfish so unique—from its deep-sea lifestyle to its squishy appearance and surprising facts that may even change your opinion about this misunderstood creature.
Table of Contents
Where Does the Blobfish Live?
Life in the Deep
Blobfish are found in the deep ocean waters off the coasts of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. They live far below the surface, at depths between 600 and 1,200 meters (2,000 to 3,900 feet).
At these extreme depths, the ocean is completely dark and the pressure is dozens of times greater than at sea level. This environment is cold, quiet, and quite different from the ocean most people are familiar with.
No Light, No Problem
Since sunlight can’t reach those depths, blobfish spend their lives in total darkness. Their bodies are designed to handle the intense pressure and low temperatures of this remote part of the sea.
Why Do Blobfish Look So Odd?
Blame It on Pressure
When blobfish are deep underwater, their bodies are more compact and firm. But when they’re brought to the surface, they look saggy and deflated. That’s because their gelatin-like bodies lose shape without the high pressure of the deep sea to support them.
Built Without Bones or Air Sacs
Unlike most fish, blobfish don’t have swim bladders (air-filled sacs that help with floating) because these would burst under deep-sea pressure. Instead, they rely on their jelly-like flesh, which is slightly less dense than water, allowing them to hover above the seafloor effortlessly.
What Do Blobfish Eat?
A Lazy but Clever Eater
Blobfish aren’t fast swimmers, and they don’t chase their food. Instead, they float gently above the seabed and wait for food to drift by.
Their menu often includes:
- Small crustaceans
- Sea pens
- Sea urchins
- Worms
- Bits of organic matter
This slow, energy-saving eating style is perfect for their low-energy lifestyle in the deep ocean.
How Big Is a Blobfish?
Blobfish are fairly small, typically measuring around:
- 30 cm (about 12 inches) long
- Around 2 kg (around 4.4 pounds)
That’s roughly the size of a small housecat or a large sandwich loaf—definitely not giant monsters of the deep!
The “Ugliest Animal” Label
How the Blobfish Became Famous
In 2013, Psychrolutes marcidus was voted the “World’s Ugliest Animal” in a campaign by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. The goal was to raise awareness for lesser-known animals that also need protection.
As a result, the blobfish became an online sensation, often shown with its saggy frown and mushy features.
Not Actually Ugly in the Ocean
It’s important to note that blobfish only look “ugly” when they’re taken out of their natural deep-sea home. In the high-pressure environment where they live, their bodies appear more solid and normal—closer to a typical fish.
The Blobfish’s Family Tree
Part of the Psychrolutidae Family
Psychrolutes marcidus is part of a larger group of deep-sea fish called Psychrolutidae, also known as fathead sculpins.
There are several related species, such as:
- Psychrolutes phrictus (blob sculpin)
- Psychrolutes occidentalis (Western blobfish)
- Psychrolutes marmoratus
All of them are adapted to life in deep, high-pressure waters, with similarly squishy builds.
How Do Blobfish Reproduce?
Laying Lots of Eggs
Female blobfish lay thousands of eggs on the ocean floor in tight clusters. The eggs are often pink in color and laid in safe, hidden spots.
Staying With Their Eggs
Interestingly, blobfish might guard their eggs until they hatch. They fan the eggs with their fins to keep them clean and oxygenated, which is rare for deep-sea fish.
How Long Can a Blobfish Live?
Scientists believe blobfish can live up to 100 years. Their slow-paced lives, low metabolism, and lack of predators may all contribute to this long lifespan.
Are Blobfish in Danger?
Not Officially Endangered—Yet
Blobfish aren’t currently on the endangered species list, mostly because scientists don’t have enough data. But that doesn’t mean they’re safe.
Human Threats from Fishing
Blobfish are often accidentally caught in bottom-trawling nets used for deep-sea fishing. Since they live so deep, they can’t survive the journey to the surface, and many die as unwanted bycatch.
Hard to Study
Because they live in places that are very difficult and expensive to reach, we still don’t know much about how many blobfish there are or how they behave.
Interesting Blobfish Facts
- Blobfish became the mascot of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society.
- Their bodies are 90% gelatinous, with very little muscle.
- They don’t need to swim much—they float with almost no effort.
- Blobfish rarely encounter predators because of their deep habitat.
- Their appearance is a survival strategy, not a design flaw.
Why Should We Protect Blobfish?
Every Animal Matters
Even though they aren’t cute or cuddly, blobfish are part of our planet’s incredible biodiversity. Every species, even the weird ones, plays a role in maintaining the health of Earth’s ecosystems.
Deep-Sea Life Is Still a Mystery
By learning more about blobfish, we learn more about life in the deep ocean. The deep sea is one of the least explored places on Earth, full of unknown creatures and fragile ecosystems.
Changing the Way We See Beauty
The blobfish reminds us that beauty comes in many forms. Once we understand why it looks the way it does, we can appreciate it as a smartly designed survivor, not a joke.
Can You See a Blobfish in an Aquarium?
Blobfish are extremely hard to keep alive in captivity because of the pressure difference between the deep sea and the surface.
Some museums may have preserved specimens or realistic models, but live blobfish are almost never displayed in aquariums.
Other Weird Deep-Sea Creatures
If you think blobfish are strange, meet some of their neighbors:
Anglerfish
These creepy-looking fish have a glowing light on their heads to lure prey.
Dumbo Octopus
Named for its ear-like fins, this octopus looks like it’s flying underwater.
Gulper Eel
With a massive mouth, it can eat prey almost as big as itself.
Fangtooth Fish
Though small, it has some of the largest teeth for its body size in the ocean.
Final Thoughts: The Blobfish Deserves Respect
Psychrolutes marcidus may have a funny name and a funny face, but it’s an incredible example of adaptation and survival in one of the toughest environments on Earth.
It’s more than just a meme—it’s a real, living creature that has inspired curiosity and wonder. With better understanding and care, we can help ensure the blobfish sticks around for many years to come.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Blobfish |
| Scientific Name | Psychrolutes marcidus |
| Habitat | Deep waters near Australia and New Zealand |
| Depth Range | 600–1,200 meters |
| Body Type | Soft, jelly-like, low muscle content |
| Size | Up to 30 cm long, about 2 kg in weight |
| Diet | Crustaceans, sea urchins, drifting food |
| Lifestyle | Passive, floats above seafloor |
| Threats | Bycatch from deep-sea fishing |
| Fun Fact | Voted “Ugliest Animal” in 2013 |
