The blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) is a deep-sea creature known for its unusual appearance. While often depicted as a gelatinous, almost comical figure, this image does not reflect its true form in its natural habitat. Its perceived “normal” look is a product of environmental changes it undergoes when brought to the ocean’s surface.
The Iconic Surface Appearance
The image of the blobfish circulated in popular culture, often earning it the title of “world’s ugliest animal,” shows a soft, pinkish, gelatinous mass. This appearance is characterized by saggy features, a prominent, downturned snout, and a generally deflated, mournful expression. When seen out of water, its body lacks any discernible structure, appearing flabby and shapeless. This distorted form captured public attention, leading to its internet fame.
Its Natural Deep-Sea Form
In its natural deep-sea environment, the blobfish looks different, resembling a typical fish. It possesses a streamlined, tadpole-like body, typically measuring less than 30 centimeters in length and weighing under 2 kilograms. Its head is somewhat bulbous, with distinct black eyes and feathery pectoral fins. In its natural state, the blobfish’s body is a pinkish-grey or blue-grey color.
The blobfish inhabits depths between 600 and 1,200 meters (2,000 to 3,900 feet) in the waters off Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. At these extreme depths, the immense water pressure, which can be 60 to 120 times greater than at sea level, plays a significant role in maintaining its body shape. Its flesh is primarily a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than that of water, allowing it to float just above the seafloor without expending much energy. This buoyancy is crucial for its survival in an environment where a gas-filled swim bladder would be crushed by the pressure.
Understanding the Transformation
The dramatic change in the blobfish’s appearance occurs due to the rapid decrease in pressure when it is brought from the deep sea to the surface. Its body is uniquely adapted to these extreme conditions, possessing soft bones and very little muscle. This unique adaptation allows the external water pressure to compress and hold its body in a more defined shape, which is crucial for its survival at such depths.
When the blobfish is removed from this high-pressure environment, the sudden reduction in external pressure causes its gelatinous tissues to expand and lose their structural integrity. The low-density, jelly-like flesh, which is essential for its deep-sea buoyancy, simply sags and spreads out without the immense pressure to support it. This rapid decompression results in the flabby, droopy appearance that has become so widely recognized.