Looking like life from possible another solar system or another quadrant from the galaxy, the animal that won the vote to become the mascot of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society was the blobfish. Found in deep water off of Australia it is rather rare for people to encounter the blobfish. But deep fishing nets occasionally find this guy along with other fish. The fisherman note that the weird creature is about 12 inches long, and scientists note that they’ve never encountered a larger one in the wild.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Blobfish look like a big, blobby tadpole, just a mass of pale, jelly-like flesh with puffy, loose skin, a big nose, and beady staring eyes.” So far there have been no observations of this animal feeding, and it is speculated by scientists that the small blob probably just “opens that big mouth and let little particles drift in.” It is highly suspected that given the weight and body structure of the blobfish, that it is not at all aggressive and doesn’t attack or chase its food.
The British Science Association notes that the blobfish has “earned the title of the “world’s ugliest animal,” according to NPR. The British Science Association is funny organization that mixes science with humor in an effort to raise awareness about “the threats facing weird and wonderful creatures.” When the votes were cast, the blobfish won the “world’s ugliest animal” award by almost 10,000 votes. The BBC also notes that the blobfish is inedible. So please don’t try cooking it at home.
Runners up for the prestigious award included the proboscis monkey, the british bat, and the flightless dung beetle.
