A Deep-Sea Dweller’s Unexpected Acclaim
An unusual marine species, previously known for its distinctive, amorphous appearance and once labeled among the world’s least aesthetically pleasing animals, has recently achieved notable recognition. This creature, a deep-sea fish, was awarded the title of “Fish of the Year” by a New Zealand environmental advocacy group.

The annual event, orchestrated by the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, serves to promote public awareness concerning the diverse aquatic life inhabiting New Zealand’s freshwater and marine environments.
In the most recent iteration of this competition, the aforementioned fish garnered significant popular support, securing nearly 1,300 votes out of a total of over 5,500, thereby claiming the top accolade.

This victory represents a notable turnaround for the species, which initially gained widespread attention as the symbolic representative of an organization dedicated to the preservation of animals perceived as unattractive, back in 2013.

Characterized by its gelatinous composition, this fish inhabits the seabed, attaining a maximum length of approximately 30 centimeters. Its primary habitat encompasses the waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania, at depths ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters.

While its form is often depicted as irregularly shaped, in its natural deep-sea environment, the creature maintains a more conventional fish-like structure, facilitated by the immense hydrostatic pressure.
Upon capture and rapid ascent to the water’s surface, however, its physique undergoes a transformation, resulting in its characteristic soft, misshapen appearance, which has contributed to its reputation for unconventional beauty.

The second-place designation was awarded to another deep-sea species, recognized for its prominent mucous canals.
“It was a competition between two deep sea species,” stated a co-director of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, “with the winning fish’s unique aesthetic appeal ultimately swaying voter preference.”
The second place fish initially held a lead in votes, until a local radio broadcast began a campaign to support the eventual winner.
“There is a deserving fish, it requires your support,” the radio hosts urged their listening audience. “We advocate for this fish’s victory.”
The radio hosts have expressed their delight regarding the fish’s success.

“This fish, typically found on the ocean floor, has experienced its moment of recognition,” the hosts stated. “We felt it deserved to be celebrated.”
The winning fish’s diet consists of mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms.
Its physical structure is characterized by a soft body and pliable skin, lacking traditional skeletal and scale structures.
According to the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, a large portion of the nominated species are classified as vulnerable by conservation organizations, including the winning fish, which faces threats from deep-sea trawling practices.

New Zealand also conducts an annual avian competition, organized by a separate conservation entity. The most recent victor in that contest was a rare penguin species.