 | |
| Species | Psychrolutes microporos |
|---|---|
| Cause of death | Decompression |
| Known for | Subject of meme |
| Awards | World's Ugliest Animal |
Mr Blobby is a specimen of Psychrolutes microporos , known for being the subject of an image macro meme reading "Go home evolution, you're drunk". [1] [2] [3]
Mr Blobby was collected from the Norfolk Ridge during the NORFANZ Expedition in June 2003. Caught at a depth between 1013 and 1340 metres by the RV Tangaroa, [1] it is 285mm long [3] and had a parasitic copepod at the side of its mouth. [2]
Although in its normal habitat P. microporos has a sleeker look due to pressure, once brought to the surface Mr Blobby swelled, with a softer appearance. It was photographed in this state by Kerryn Parkinson, Australian Museum ichthyologist. [1] After taking a more standard scientific image of the specimen, Parkinson decided it was "comical, charismatic and grumpy", photographing it from the front as well. [4]
In 2010, the photograph was featured in the Australian television show The Gruen Transfer, where advertising agencies were asked to design campaigns to 'save the blobfish'. [2]
Mr Blobby's profile was raised again when it won the title of ugliest animal in the world in 2013, a competition run by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society with the goal of drawing attention to less charismatic species. [5]
Mr Blobby appeared in the 2018 book You're Called What? by Kes Gray [6] [7]
Though not a taxonomically significant specimen of Psychrolutes microporos, Mr Blobby has been described as indicative of our limited knowledge of ocean fauna. [8]
Mr Blobby is stored at the Australian Museum' Ichthyology Collection in 70% ethyl alcohol. [3] This process has shrunk the specimen, and it now appears closer to its undersea form. [1]