Blur fish

The blur fish It is known as one of the ugliest fish in the world. Its scientific name is Psychrolutes marcidus and it is found in the depths of the ocean. Its gelatinous texture makes it a rather rare and curious fish as well as horrendous. It looks like it's some kind of monster from the deep.

In this article you can learn all the secrets of the smudge fish, from where it lives to its most important curiosities. Do you want to know more about him?

Key features

This fish looks quite strange given its skin type. It's like it's a jelly fish. Its average length is usually between 30 and 38 cm, which is why it is considered a large fish. Jelly-like skin needs it to survive in high-pressure environments under the sea. Therefore, when it rises to the surface, not having the pressure of the water in depth, all the gelatin "falls".

It is a fish that barely has strength due to its low density. It has had to adapt over the years and evolution to this type of environment where sunlight does not reach and nutrients are scarce. At first, when there were some passing sightings, scientists came to really doubt its existence since its appearance was most strange. More than a real fish it looked like a typical hallucination from a movie.

Regarding its morphology, we find a large head that serves to be able to float better together with its low density and narrow fins. His appearance is more ugly when you see his huge nose in the form of a drop of water when it is falling. Hence, this fish is also known as a drop fish. The eyes also have a jelly-like texture and look like two black shirt buttons.

Their low density and body mass helps them float and stay alive in the abyssal depths of the oceans. Unlike many other fish, it does not have a swim bladder like the goblin fish. The swim bladder is an organ that many fish have in common and that serves to continue floating adrift without the need to make any effort to remain in the water. The smudge fish, having a very low density and the skin in the form of jelly, does not need this organ to continue living in the sea.

Adaptations to the marine environment

Fish that live in fairly large depths have to withstand great pressure from the water. The smudge fish has developed a special type of skin that adapts to all the inconveniences that exist in these areas. Sunlight does not reach or arrives very slightly, so this terrain is a continuous struggle for survival. The smudge fish is able to live in these depths thanks to its skin type and low density.

It is considered the ugliest fish in the world since, when it rises to the surface, the jelly on its body softens and looks like a deformity more similar to an extraterrestrial being than a common fish on our planet. As for temperatures, it is more comfortable in areas where they are around 2 and 9 degrees.

Habitat and area of ​​distribution

The range of the blotfish is in the deepest waters between the coasts of mainland Australia and Tasmania. It is in these areas where its abundance is greatest, although it is very difficult to spot it. It has also been seen swimming through the depths of the waters of New Zealand.

Being a fish that lives in the depths, it is quite difficult that we can see one without adequate material to descend into the oceans. We can find it at depths between 900 and 1200 meters. If you have ever dived, you can see that the water pressure increases enormously as we sink. Imagine the pressure that must be at 1200 meters.

Food and behavior 

Its diet is quite varied despite the conditions in which it is found. You may be able to eat as much as you can as food is scarce in these marine areas. Any organism floating near you or suspended in the water serves as food. Sea urchins, large numbers and varieties of mollusks and crustaceans are part of its varied diet.

Although he does not have teeth that are used to grind food before incorporating it into his stomach, he has no problems digesting them. The digestive system is quite developed and has a great corrosive power to synthesize all ingested food.

Threats of the smudge fish

It is thought that because these fish live at extreme depths they are not threatened by anyone. However, they are in danger because of the hand of man. The trawling technique is capable of reaching such depths and, occasionally, specimens of blotfish are caught accidentally. In addition, not only are some specimens captured, but the habitat where they live is destroyed.

Sometimes, the currents caused by these fishing boats move it to other depths that damage its body and reduce the survival rate.

Curiosities

Despite how hideous it looks, it's not that ugly when it's at the bottom of the ocean. This is due to changes in water pressure. As it has less pressure when it comes to the surface, it takes on a more jelly-like and somewhat misshapen appearance.

• It is not active at all. These fish are too boring. By not having much to do, evolution has led them to know how to save energy.
• Since it has neither bones nor teeth, it is unable to take a bite.
• It is not edible. As it reaches the surface it becomes more and more gelatinous until it dies.
• He does not have a swim bladder due to the pressure of the water in the area he lives in. You can float and swim without it.

With this information you can learn more about this special fish.