What is the blobfish scientific name? Psychrolutes marcidus is the scientific name of the blobfish.
Blobfish are the ugliest fish in the world; however, this fascinating creature is far from the squishy figure with which it is usually portrayed. This article will delve into everything from the blobfish biological name to its classification, genus, and pronunciation, as well as its meanings, lifestyle, diet, and underwater sounds.
What Is the Blobfish’s Scientific Name?
- Scientific Name: Psychrolutes marcidus
- Pronunciation: /ˈsaɪ.krəˌluːtiz ˈmɑːr.sɪ.dəs/
- Common Name: Blobfish
This biological name is explicitly used worldwide for scientific and zoological purposes in classifying the blobfish in biological taxonomy.
Meaning of the Blobfish Scientific Name
The name Psychrolutes marcidus is composed of Greek and Latin words.
- The Greek word “psychro” means cold.
- The Latin word “lutes” means bath or water.
- Marcidus means withering or soft.
The name signifies a cold-water, soft-bodied fish, which is inadequate to describe the blobfish as being for the jellyfish pose it occupies and the desolate ocean floor it inhabits.
Biological Classification of Blobfish (Taxonomy)
Blobfish are classified into the following taxonomic groups:
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) |
| Order | Scorpaeniformes |
| Family | Psychrolutidae |
| Genus | Psychrolutes |
| Species | marcidus |
Genus of Blobfish: Psychrolutes
The blobfish belongs to the genus Psychrolutes, within which many deep-sea species exist with gelatinous and sagging bodies adapted to high-pressure environments.
Do Blobfish Make Sounds?
As there is no evidence of any such auditory capability, there is no proof of a blobfish making sounds as vocal fish or marine mammals do. With deep-ocean living at pressures over 100 times that at the surface, they rely more on tactile or mechanical stimuli and movement than sound.
Blobfish Diet and Habitat
What Do Blobfish Eat?
As ambush predators, blobfish actively do not hunt and instead drift near the ocean floor, feeding on:-
- Small crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp
- Sea urchins
- Molluscs
- Deep-sea larvae
- Organic matter falling from upper waters
They are designed for low energy expenditure and passive feeding.
Where Do Blobfish Live?
Blobfish inhabit the depths off the coasts of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand at depths of 600 to 1,200 meters (2,000–4,000 feet).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deep-sea (benthic zone) |
| Depth Range | 600–1,200 meters |
| Region | Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand |
| Environment | High-pressure, low-light zones |
Size, Shape, and Physical Features
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Average Length | 30–38 cm (12–15 inches) |
| Weight | Up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) |
| Color | Pinkish to gray |
| Body Structure | Gelatinous, low-density, no swim bladder |
| Muscle Mass | Extremely low (helps conserve energy) |
| Age | Estimated up to 100 years |
Upon reaching the Earth’s surface (out of the water), the blob undergoes decompression due to its natural compact shape in its deep-sea habitat.
