6 Bizarre Facts About Blobfish That You Should Know

Blobfish are a fascinating species that have attracted the attention of the curious for many years. The blobfish is notorious for its ugly looks when taken out of water. Here are 6 bizarre facts about the blobfish that will keep you questioning this curious being.

Blobfish are part of the Psychrolutidae fish family

They have relatives with similar appearances and habitats that can be found worldwide. One of the most common relatives is the blob sculpin found in the North Pacific Ocean. The name Psychrolutidae comes from the Greek word “psychrolouteo.” The word means to have a cold bath, and it was given to them due to their love of cold water.

Blobfish have no skeleton

The blobfish hovers above the seabed, meaning they live in some of the deepest parts of the ocean. The high pressure at such depths allows them to look like regular fish.

However, when they are brought to the surface, and the pressure drops, they appear droopy. Their body mass isn’t supported, and they appear like a blob. This is because they have no skeleton and very little muscle. The pressure at the seabed is around 120 times higher than on land, meaning they are held into shape.

Female blobfish clean their eggs

Many fish will guard their eggs or offspring by leaving them in a safe place. But the blobfish has some unique routines not seen in other species. Research that has been carried out on various fish in the Psychrolutidae family shows they clean their eggs. While the mother guards the eggs, she will be seen cleaning off any sand or dirt that covers them.

Blobfish have no teeth

There are mysteries of monsters that live at the bottom of the sea. Fierce, aggressive fish, but the blobfish is the opposite of this assumption. The blobfish gently floats above the seabed, hoovering up microscopic bacteria.

Blobfish don’t have a swim bladder

The majority of fish have what is called a swim bladder. This is usually a pocket of air that help keeps the fish buoyant and helps it control where it sits in the water. Blobfish don’t have a swim bladder as they resemble jellyfish. Because they don’t have a skeleton or many muscles, they can easily float and hover.

Blobfish live in the South Pacific Ocean

Blobfish have only been found in deep water along the coasts of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. Although other species in the same family are found globally, blobfish are unique to this area. Sadly they are often found by fishermen trawling.