Today’s animal of the day is the mysterious blobfish. Blobfish, aka fathead sculpins, can be found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. From the genus Psychrolutes microporos, these flabby fish live in depths between 2,000 and 4,000 meters. 

Their blob-like appearance is a consequence of the pressure change when they are removed from the deep sea onto land. When they are underwater, blobfish resemble any other normal fish. 

Blobfish are cold-water fishes and live in areas where the water pressure can be 60-120 times greater than at sea level. Because these blubbery fish live so deep, many of their anatomy and habits are still a mystery.

Here are some fun facts about blobfish:

• They were first discovered on the Australian coast and live primarily around Australia and New Zealand.
• Along with 100 other species, they were discovered in a 2003 expedition.
• Their heads make up about 40% of their body mass.
• These blubbery enigmas are rarely found alive because they cannot survive the air pressure at sea level.
• Blobfish have soft bones, very few muscles, and typically grow to about one foot in length.
• Commonly known as Mr. Blobby
• Blobfish do not have swim bladders, unlike most fish.
• Instead of scales, they have gelatin-like skin.
• Blobfish typically eat crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins.
• Dubbed “World’s Ugliest Animal” in 2013 by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society.