Pakistan, March 19 -- The blobfish has won New Zealand's "Fish of the Year" competition, surprising many with its unexpected victory. After being labeled the "world's ugliest animal" for over a decade, it secured 1,286 votes, beating the orange roughy by fewer than 300 votes. The competition is organized by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust to raise awareness for marine life.

Despite its gelatinous and sagging appearance, the blobfish is adapted to survive in deep-sea environments. Unlike most fish, it lacks a skeleton, scales, and muscles, which allows it to float above the seafloor effortlessly. However, when brought to the surface, the change in pressure disfigures its appearance, contributing to its notorious image.

Blobfish p...