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The blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) is a fish that inhabits the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania. Due to the inaccessibility of its habitat, it is rarely seen by humans.
The Bolbfish is a scorpaeniform - a group which contains some of the most armoured scaly and spiny spiked fish in the sea. The full range of this deepwater (750-1200m) fish is not yet known. Scientists can only guess at how this fish feeds and based on its body shape it is believed to be an ambush predator that will eat whatever it can fit it. |
| The purpose of its proboscis (nose) is unknown. Feeding on the Blobfish is a copepod parasite (seen protruding from its mouth).
To remain buoyant, the flesh of the blobfish is primarily a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than water; this allows the fish to float above the sea floor without expending energy on swimming. The relative lack of muscle is not a disadvantage as it primarily swallows edible matter that floats by in front it. |
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