The blobfish, a creature often recognized for its unusual appearance, has captured public attention, largely due to its internet fame. Its distinctive, seemingly melancholic look has led to widespread misconceptions about its true form. The common image of the blobfish, however, does not represent its natural state in the deep ocean. This deep-sea inhabitant possesses unique characteristics that enable it to thrive in its extreme environment, which are dramatically altered when it is brought to the surface.
Its True Appearance
In its natural deep-sea habitat, the blobfish, specifically Psychrolutes marcidus, appears as a typical fish, adapted to immense pressure. At depths of 600 to 1,200 meters (2,000 to 3,900 feet), where pressure is 60 to 120 times greater than at sea level, it maintains a streamlined, fish-like shape.
Blobfish typically measure less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) and weigh under 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds), exhibiting a pinkish-grey coloration. They have slightly bulbous heads, pronounced black eyes, and feathery pectoral fins, tapering to a tadpole-like tail.
The Surface Transformation
The blobfish’s iconic “blob-like” appearance results from the drastic pressure change when brought to the surface. In its natural habitat, immense water pressure supports its soft, gelatinous body. When this pressure is removed, its tissues expand and lose integrity.
This depressurization causes the blobfish’s gelatinous flesh to expand and sag, distorting its features. The familiar prominent “nose” and “frown” are not inherent facial structures but rather the result of its skin and underlying gelatinous mass relaxing and expanding. The body essentially collapses into a shapeless mass, similar to a washed-up jellyfish, because its tissues are no longer compressed. This transformation is a form of decompression damage, and specimens often do not survive.
Unique Physical Adaptations
The blobfish possesses specific physical adaptations for survival in the challenging deep ocean. Its body is largely composed of a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than water. This low-density composition allows it to achieve neutral buoyancy, floating just above the seafloor without a swim bladder, which would implode under extreme pressure.
The blobfish also exhibits a lack of strong musculature and a reduced skeletal structure of soft bones. This minimal muscle mass is an advantage, as the blobfish conserves energy by mostly drifting and waiting for food, such as deep-ocean crustaceans. Its large, forward-facing eyes are adapted for low-light conditions, allowing for better visibility in the perpetual darkness. These adaptations collectively enable the blobfish to thrive where most other life forms would be crushed or unable to sustain themselves.