10 Incredible Blobfish Facts

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: August 24, 2023
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The blobfish is a bizarre aquatic species. Blobfish only appear in Tasmania, New Zealand, and Australia. Their low body mass resembles jelly. Psychrolutes marcidus is the scientific name for the blobfish. However, it has other names. Other names for this critter are “smooth-head blobfish,” “Australian sculpin,” and “toadfish.” Let’s explore 10 incredible Blobfish Facts!

1. Blobfish Live A Really Long Time

Deep-sea blob sculpin (Psychrolutes phrictus)

Blobfish can live for 130 years or more.

©NOAA/MBARI / public domain – License

Blobfish have no known natural predators. Therefore, their lives are very stress-free. A disadvantage of living in the ocean’s deepest depths is the slow rate of development and reproduction. This means that blobfish can live for 130 years or more, which is an exceptionally long time for a fish.

2. Blobfish Live Deep In The Ocean

If you’ve ever been terrified of coming across some unpleasant characters, you need not worry. Blobfish are always submerged. They can be found in depths ranging from 2,000 to 3,900 feet, and it’s not recommended that you go there.

3. Blobfish Deposit Hundreds Of Pink-Colored Eggs

Certain blobfish deposit their eggs in communal nests, but their social behaviors are unknown. Large groups of females converge to deposit eggs. One nest can hold 108,000 eggs. Not much is known about blobfish reproduction besides the fact that females lay hundreds of pinkish eggs. Blobfish have no vegetation, caverns, or rocky outcroppings to hide their eggs at this depth. At least one blobfish will stay with fertilized eggs until they hatch in a breeding pair. They fan their nests to remove trash and clean the pink eggs.

4. Blobfish Look Completely Different Out Of The Water

Blobfish may not be appealing when caught by anglers.

©lacking author information / public domain – License

Gelatinous appearance? Blobfish only appear that way above water. Their natural habitat is anywhere between 2,000 and 4,000 feet deep, making them look like other fish. Blobfish may not be appealing when caught by anglers, but they do not appear so grotesque in their native habitat. After losing water pressure, it’s unknown if they can return to these depths. Given their twisted appearance, once taken out of the water, it seems unlikely.

5. Blobfish Change In Open Air Due To Rapid Changes In Water Pressure

Deep-sea animals are under more stress. Their pressure is up to 120 times that of the ocean’s surface. Once brought to the surface, they experience significant decompression, giving them an odd appearance. When fishers bring blobfish to the top in trawling nets, the water pressure lowers, and they lose their shape. Even though they’re not the same kind of fish after, some fishers still release them back to try and save their lives.

6. Blobfish Don’t Really Have Muscles And Mostly Float Around

Blobfish at an aquarium

One of the weirdest things about blobfish is that they are unable to do much activity because of their lack of muscular mass.

©Emily Cecelia/ via Getty Images

There is no obvious need for blobfish to have strong muscles in the first place. One of the weirdest things about blobfish is that they are unable to do much activity because of their lack of muscular mass! Instead, these creatures float around in the ocean for their whole lives, occasionally opening their mouths to take in some food.

7. Blobfish Can Be Eaten, Technically…

Although humans can technically eat blobfish, they are not very appealing to look at or prepare. However, some people will attempt to cook and eat them when caught unintentionally. In fact, there are some reports that they taste quite delectable, almost like a buttery lobster tail! However, it is not advised to go out of your way to try it, as not much is known about these deep sea creatures.

8. Blobfish Do Not Have Any Bones, Including Teeth

Neophrynichthys marcidus = Psychrolutes marcidus

Blobfish do not possess any teeth.

©Alan Riverstone McCulloch (1885-1925) / public domain – License

Not only do blobfish not have any muscles, but their bodies also do not include any bones at all. This indicates that they do not possess any teeth. Because of this, they do not chew their food but rather swallow it in its entirety.

9. Blobfish Don’t Have A “Swim Bladder” Like Most Fish

A “swim bladder” is an air-filled organ found in most fish. It allows fish to travel in the water and retain their buoyancy. Most fish would sink if they didn’t have this feature. However, blobfish have no swim bladder and instead rely on their gelatinous tissue to keep them afloat.

10. Blobfish Eat In An Interesting Manner

Colorful Blob Sculpin Rests on Rocks Underwater Southeast Alaska, USA in Juneau, AK, United States

To lure in sea pens, sea urchins, crabs, and other invertebrates, they’ll bob up and down just over the ocean floor.

©Cavan Images/ via Getty Images

In accordance with their laid-back lifestyle, blobfish do not pursue their prey. Waiting for it to happen is the only option they have. To lure in sea pens, sea urchins, crabs, and other invertebrates, they’ll bob up and down just over the ocean floor. When the timing is right, they suck their prey into their broad mouths.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © lacking author information / public domain – License / Original


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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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