In the world, there are many species of animals with bizarre appearances, often criticized for being ugly. A prime example is the anglerfish, a creature deemed ugly both in name and appearance. However, they are not the ugliest animals in the world. The title of the ugliest animal goes to the blobfish.
The appearance of the blobfish is milky white, with a pinkish hue. Their bodies are swollen and give a sensation of being sticky like jelly, heavy-handed. When looking directly at their faces, blobfish look incredibly strange with numerous folds crumpling together, their mouths twisted and drooping. At first glance, blobfish always evoke a sense of melancholy in those who encounter them. Some people have remarked that they resemble Ditto from Pokémon.
The blobfish is the descendant of the Psychrolutes marcidus fish. This species primarily inhabits deep waters off the coast of Australia, at depths ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters below sea level. This depth exceeds human diving capabilities; reaching it would require a high-intensity submarine.
Living at such depths, the blobfish has had to evolve to withstand extreme pressure. They have lost their swim bladder, muscles, and flesh have become very soft. Additionally, blobfish lack air sacs inside their bodies. This is a common feature among deep-sea fish: minimal bone structure, flesh resembling jelly.
When removed from their familiar environment, the body of the blobfish will inexplicably sag downwards. This is the result of sudden pressure differentials. At times, they can implode, leading to organ rupture, eye popping, and death. Therefore, the ugly appearance of the blobfish only manifests when they are brought out from the ocean floor. In their familiar habitat, they are perfectly normal like any other fish.