Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) is a deep‑sea cottoid fish (family Psychrolutidae) from continental‑slope habitats off SE Australia and Tasmania. Its famous “melted” look is a decompression effect: at depth, pressure supports its gelatinous, low‑density body; once hauled to the surface, tissues collapse and the face sags.
Basics
Scientific name: Psychrolutes marcidus
Size: ~30–38 cm; c. 1–2 kg (estimated)
Depth/Range: Commonly 600–1200 m on continental slopes and seamounts
Ecology
A sit‑and‑wait benthic predator/scavenger that consumes small crustaceans, molluscs and organic fallout. It lacks a typical swim bladder and relies on gelatinous tissue for buoyancy under high pressure.
Reproduction & Longevity
Poorly known; females have been observed guarding large pink egg masses. Longevity likely >10 years.
Threats
Bycatch in deep‑sea trawl fisheries.
Insufficient population data to assess trends.
IUCN listings for deep‑sea taxa are often Data Deficient (DD) or not evaluated—verify the latest status before publication.
