Psychrolutidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Psychrolutidae |
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| A blob sculpin (Psychrolutes phrictus) in its natural deep-sea home. | |
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| A Psychrolutes phrictus after being brought to the surface. Its body looks different due to the change in pressure. | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Scorpaeniformes |
| Superfamily: | Cottoidea |
| Family: | Psychrolutidae T. N. Gill, 1861 |
| Genera | |
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The fish family Psychrolutidae is commonly known as blobfishes, toadfishes, or flathead sculpins. This family includes over 35 different types of fish found in the deep ocean. These fish live on the sea floor and look a bit like tadpoles. They have big heads and bodies that get smaller towards their flat tails.
Their skin is very loose and wobbly, and there's a jelly-like layer right underneath it. Their eyes are set high on their heads and look forward, close to their snouts. Most blobfish have large, leaf-shaped pectoral fins (fins on their sides) and don't have scales. Some species might have soft spines instead. Living in the deep sea means they are used to very high pressure. They are also "ambush predators," meaning they wait for food to come to them so they don't waste energy.
Where Blobfish Live
Blobfishes are found in the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Some have even been seen off the coast of Mexico, which is a new discovery! One type, Myoxocephalus thompsonii, which is a deepwater sculpin, has even been found in Lake Ontario.
These fish usually live in the colder parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can be found at depths from about 300 to 1,700 meters (about 1,000 to 5,600 feet). Adult blobfish live on the sea floor, sometimes as deep as 2,800 meters (9,200 feet).
Deep-sea fish like the blobfish need to save a lot of energy. This means they often live for a very long time, grow slowly, and don't have many babies. For example, a blobfish can live to be around 130 years old! Since they live so deep, they don't have many predators, which also helps them save energy.
What Blobfish Eat
Their diet also helps them save energy. Blobfish eat small crustaceans, sea pens, sea worms, and any other tiny creatures that float or swim close by. They don't have to chase their food much.
The name Psychrolutidae comes from the Greek word psychrolouteo, which means "to have a cold bath." This makes sense because they prefer to live in colder waters, though some can be found in slightly warmer areas.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The blob sculpin, Psychrolutes phrictus, is known for its interesting nesting habits. These fish gather in large groups to lay their pinkish eggs in one big nesting area. A single nest can hold a huge number of eggs, from 9,000 to over 100,000!
Female blobfish also show parental care. They have been seen hovering around their nests, and it's believed they clean the eggs, removing any sand or dirt. This helps the eggs stay healthy until they hatch.
See also
In Spanish: Cabezas gordas para niños
