From world's ugliest animal to New Zealand's fish of the year: the blobfish's surprising win
The blobfish may not win any beauty contests, but it has taken the crown as
New Zealand' s fish of the year.
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How the tide has turned for what was declared the world's ugliest
animal in 2013.
The competition, organised by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust to raise awareness about New Zealand's marine life and fragile ecosystem, received 5,583 votes.
The blobfish emerged victorious, receiving nearly 1,300 votes and defeating its closest competitor, the orange roughy, by nearly 300 votes.
'Renowned for its unfortunate frown and decidedly squishy disposition when pulled from the depths, Kiwis have shown they truly believe that blob is beautiful,' the trust said, according to Otago Daily Times.
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Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust co-director Kim Jones told the newspaper it was 'a battle of the deep sea forget-me-nots. A battle of two quirky deep sea critters, with the blobfish's unconventional beauty helping get voters over the line.'
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