Hey there! Today, we’re going to learn about a very interesting sea creature called the blobfish. You might have heard that it’s been called the world’s ugliest animal, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye!
The blobfish lives deep in the ocean near the coast of Australia. It lives almost at the sea floor, which is much deeper than where most ocean animals live. Down there, it’s completely dark because sunlight can’t reach that far. It’s also very cold, just a few degrees above freezing, and the pressure is extremely high.
Ocean pressure is the weight of all the water pressing down on you when you’re at the bottom of the ocean. It’s like a super tight bear hug! Not many animals can survive in such conditions, but the blobfish can.
The blobfish has a special body that helps it survive in its harsh environment. Its body is gooey and jelly-like, which allows it to handle the intense pressure. It has almost no muscles and very few bones, making it almost pure squish! This blobbiness helps it float just above the ocean floor without using much energy to swim.
The blobfish doesn’t have to chase its food. Instead, it just swallows whatever food floats by. Imagine if cheeseburgers just floated into your mouth—how cool would that be?
When the blobfish is at home in the deep ocean, it probably looks more like other fish. The pressure at the bottom of the ocean gives its body that shape. However, when it’s brought up to the surface by fishing nets, it looks much blobbier because it’s no longer under pressure.
So, is the blobfish really ugly? Maybe to some people, but it’s definitely an awesome creature that has adapted perfectly to its environment.
Thanks for learning about the blobfish with us! Now, go ahead and practice your silly faces, just like we did!
Pressure Experiment: Let’s explore how pressure works! Fill a clear plastic bottle with water and tightly close the lid. Squeeze the bottle and watch how the water moves. Imagine the bottle is the deep ocean and your hand is the pressure. Discuss with a friend or family member how the blobfish’s body might feel under the ocean’s pressure.
Create Your Own Blobfish: Use playdough or clay to make your own blobfish. Remember, it should be soft and squishy, just like the real blobfish! Once you’ve made your blobfish, think about how its body helps it survive in the deep ocean. Share your creation and ideas with someone at home.
Observation Walk: Go on a walk with an adult and look for things that are soft and squishy, like the blobfish. It could be a sponge, a pillow, or even a soft toy. Talk about how these items are similar to the blobfish and how they might help it survive in its environment.
