The 12 Top Unique Ugly Fish Beautiful in Their Own Way

Have you ever seen a fish and thought, “Wow, what is that?” That’s exactly how I felt the first time I saw a blobfish. It sent me into the strange and wild realm of undersea anomalies. But here’s the twist: there is a secret beauty underlying that so-called “ugliness.” These may look bizarre, yet there is something wonderful about their strange faces. 

They’ve survived harsh places, changed over time, and learned how to live in ways most of these never could.

The ocean is full of mystery. Some sea creatures shine bright colors and move like they’re dancing. Others, like ugly fish, may not look pretty, but they’ve got their magic if you take a closer look.

Dilated eyes defy conventional beauty standards for bodies and odd features. But ignoring them is a severe loss. They have stories of evolution and survival in hostile environments. Most people who enjoy aquariums agree with their survival story.

In this guide, I’ll show you some of the ugly fish in the ocean. They may look unusual, but each one has its own charm. I’ll also share how to care for a few of these amusing little creatures if you ever dream of having one in your tank.

The world’s Top-Tier Ugliest Fish

When we dive deep into the ocean. We encounter many creatures that seem almost alien in appearance. The world’s top-tier ugliest fish aren’t just weird things. They’re completely out of sync with their environment. From the squishy blobfish to the odd. But cool anglerfish, these odd-looking creatures grab our attention with their one-of-a-kind appearance. Below are some of the most infamous members of the list of the ugliest fish.

1. Ugly blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus)
2. Monkfish (Lophius)
3. Hagfish (Myxini)
4. Stonefish (Synanceia)
5. White margin stargazer (Uranoscopus anas)
6. The Humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii)
7. The Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)
8. Illuminate Netdevil (Linophryne arborifera)
9. The Red-lipped batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini)
10. Sloane’s viperfish (Chauliodus sloani)
11. The Pacu Fish (Piaractus brachypomus)
12. The Catfish (Siluriformes)

People often refer to these fish as the ugliest due to their unusual features. Over time, that name just stuck with them. But we must remember that each species plays a vital role in its ecosystem. This proves that the beauty of the animal world is extraordinary.

The Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus)

Topping the list of the ugliest fish, the blobfish is famous for its gelatinous, sagging appearance. Researchers have found blobfish in deep waters off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. In 2013, the BBC voted the blobfish the ugliest in a public vote. The extreme pressure of the water causes a gelatinous substance to form in their flesh. When they live in the deep sea. In the deep sea, they look like regular fish. But once they’re out of the water. Their flesh sags and gives them that famously ugly look.

Unfortunately, the blobfish is becoming endangered. Fishing for other species sometimes drags blobfish up by accident. That’s how blobfish end up getting caught, too. Compared to other fish, people encounter them in fewer subcultures.

The Monkfish (Lophius)

The monkfish is also known as the “sea devil,” and another deep-sea oddity. Monkfish are members of the Lophius genus in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. They are also known as Angelfish, Kissing Frogs, or Goosefish.

Northern and Atlantic fishermen also refer to it as a hermit. Monkfish have a flat body, a large mouth full of sharp teeth, and a gray coat that gives them an ugly appearance. Due to their diversity, they inhabit depths ranging from 100 to 1000 feet in the ocean.

The Hagfish (Myxini)

Hagfish are the only group of jawless fish. Also known as hagfish (hyperpyretic). Hagfish are smooth, pink to dusky brown, with jawless skin and a paddle-like tail resembling an ogle. Their length is usually about 50 cm. Hagfish secrete copious amounts of slime to defend against predators.

This is top of the list of the ugliest fish due to its primitive design and scavenging habits. Hagfish play an important role in marine ecosystems. They feed on dead and decaying organic matter in the sea, helping to recycle it.

The Stonefish (Synanceia)

Stonefish are poisonous fish found mainly in the Indo-Pacific region. Stonefish have venomous stings capable of delivering potent neurotoxins. When the stonefish perceives a threat, it injects venom into its victim by baring its venomous spines. If not treated quickly, this poison can cause severe pain, tissue paralysis, swelling, and, in severe cases, death.

It is more dangerous than other fish for delivering this toxin. Also, its excellent camouflage makes it an ugly fish.

The White-Margin Stargazer (Uranoscopus anas)

The white-margin stargazer has an unappealing appearance due to its flattened body and large, upturned eyes.

It is found in the Red Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indo-Pacific region. The white-margin stargazer hides its body under the sand. It patiently waits for the right moment to strike when prey swims too close.

Although unable to shock with high voltage like an electric eel. White-margin stargazers can shock prey up to 50 volts.

The Humpback Anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii)

People say the humpback anglerfish is one of the ugliest fish out there, with its weird shape. It definitely stands out in the deep sea! They have a curved mouth full of sharp teeth. A fin opens on top of the head, used as a bioluminescent lure to hunt in the dark. Humpback anglerfish like to live in dark environments in the deep sea. They also like to be alone.

The Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)

The Goblin Shark looks so strange that people often call it the ugliest shark in the world. Its bizarre appearance definitely makes it stand out in the deep sea. It has an elongated snout, elongated jaws, and flat, sharp nail-like teeth.

The Goblin Shark is a genus estimated to be about 125 million years old and a rare species of shark. Unlike sharks, it doesn’t grow to monster size; it can grow up to about 6 meters in length.

The Illuminate Netdevil (Linophryne arborifera)

The Illuminate Netdevil, also called Linophryne arborifera, lives deep under the sea. It makes its home about 1,000 meters down, far from any sunlight.

It also has large, rounded shoulders and a disproportionately short tail. Like the angelfish, it has a bioluminescent light on the front of its head. The illuminated netdevil’s body is normally dark in color. The ugliest fish, the netdevil, is well-adapted to deep-sea life.

The Red-Lipped Batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini)

Whether red-lipped batfish looks cute or ugly depends on you. Red-lipped batfish love to hunt small fish and invertebrates. Their bright red lips help lure in curious prey. They live in streams with sandy or rocky layers.

Sloane’s Viperfish (Chauliodus sloani)

Sloane’s viperfish is one of those beautifully ugly creatures of the deep. It features a long, sharp canine tooth that protrudes from its lower jaw. It is in the Guinness Book of Records for having teeth larger than its head.

They also have specialized light-producing organs called photophores located throughout their fins. Sloane’s viper, also known as Sloane’s, is a fascinating and mysterious creature of the deep sea.

The Pacu Fish (Piaractus brachypomus)

The pacu is a freshwater fish that lives in South America. The piranha and this fish are very similar. This relationship makes it stand out. What puts it on the ugly list is its square, human-like teeth. With teeth made for cracking nuts and seeds, it’s like nature gave it its own built-in toolkit. Its smooth, shiny scales add a bit of mystery, almost like it’s wearing armor. Besides, these fish have large eyes that are proportional to their heads.

The Catfish (Siluriformes)

The depths of the ocean are home to some of the most unusual and fascinating creatures on Earth. Each of these fish has found a clever way to survive. Whether it’s through camouflage, hunting skills, or braving extreme environments. And somehow, that also earned them a spot on the world’s ugliest fish list!

Is Ugly Fish Good to Eat?

There are different species of ugly fish. We should try eating some of the uglier fish to help give deep-sea species a break. By choosing these odd-looking fish, we can actually help protect the ones that are in danger. Again, Authorities still need to give permission for some species. Experts recommend choosing other tasty types of seafood instead of eating ugly fish.

That way, we can enjoy a good meal without putting extra pressure on those unusual creatures. Although Many people consider monkfish ugly. It is quite popular in several restaurants. People in several areas eat stonefish and red-lipped batfish, depending on the location.

Fishermen don’t usually catch blobfish, hagfish, goblin sharks, illuminated netdevils, humpback anglerfish, or Sloane’s viper. Their deep-sea homes, unusual appearances, and distinctive diets keep them off the commercial fishing radar. Whether ugly fish are good to eat or not depends on the species.

It depends on your preference whether you include fish in your food list. But you can try monkfish as a rotten fish, which will give you a great experience.

Thinking of trying an ugly fish that’s not monkfish? It’s best to check in with a chef first. They’ll know how to whip it up safely without any surprises!

Ugly Fish for Your Home Aquarium

Bringing a truly unconventional face into your home aquarium is a rewarding challenge that goes far beyond the typical community tank. Look past the neon tetras and consider the Dragon Goby (Gobioides broussonnetii), a creature that looks like a purple eel dredged from the prehistoric past. While fascinating, they require brackish water and meticulous care to ensure they get enough food with their near-blind eyes.

Another incredible oddball is the Black Ghost Knifefish, which navigates using a weak electrical field.

The darker side of keeping these fish is that they’re often sold as small juveniles, with sellers neglecting to mention they can easily surpass a foot in length. An unsuspecting owner’s 20-gallon tank becomes a death sentence. Choosing an “ugly” fish means committing to their very specific, and sometimes demanding, futures.

How to Collect the Ugliest Fish You Can Keep in Your Home

Everyone has their preferences. Some people prefer the peculiarity of ugly fish for their own aquarium. Ugly fish display strange shapes, unusual colors, or bizarre behaviors that make them unappealing for aquariums.

Make sure you pay attention to both how the fish looks and what kind of care it needs. Especially if it’s a strange species. Many ugly fish, such as mudskippers or duckbill slippers, thrive in special environments. For example, mudskippers require a warm tank with a tight lid to maintain humidity and prevent them from jumping out. Duckbill slippers, but do best in hard, slightly brackish water.

Some of the fish on our top ugliest fish list are also suitable for aquariums. The blobfish is famous for its droopy, jelly-like look that makes people smile. But it doesn’t make a good pet because it needs the cold, high-pressure conditions of the deep sea to survive.

Want to make your tank stand out? Try adding a small anglerfish or a monkfish. A scorpionfish or toadfish could be fun, too. They’re strange, cool-looking, and way easier to care for than deep-sea creatures. Your guests won’t stop talking about them! Make sure to check the rules before you bring home any unique fish. Some species need special care, and others might not be legal to keep.

Pick your mudskipper wisely. They can be a bit bossy or even go after other fish. Some mudskippers like to guard their territory, while others may snack on smaller fish. A nice example is the West African Mudskipper. It’s known for being both territorial and a bit aggressive.

This mudskipper is notoriously aggressive and is usually kept alone. Some slipper gobies can coexist with larger, non-prey fish.

Some pet-friendly ugly fish are:

Mudskipper: This fish can swim in both freshwater and saltwater and is very busy. But it requires a special arrangement. Duckbill Slipper (Butis butis): These fish are exploitative and odd. Yet, they can tolerate a wide range of salinities.

Toadfish: These ugly fish stand out with their croaking sounds and odd looks. But don’t let that fool you. They can get pretty aggressive.

At times.

Frogfish: They use their lumpy, warty look to blend in with their surroundings. It’s their way of staying hidden and safe in the wild. With the proper setup and research, you can love the ugliest fish in your home aquarium.

Essential Tips for Keeping Ugly Fish

If you want to keep ugly fish in your home aquarium, you will have to work a little more complicated than with ordinary guppies. This species of fish often has special needs. To maintain their health, you will need to pay close attention to their environment and diet.

Tank Condition: Avoid overstocking your tank. Keeping too many fish of different species in one tank can be risky. They produce waste fast, and that can lead to harmful stuff like ammonia and nitrite building up.

This not only stresses your fish but can also lead to an unappealing fish tank and even the death of your fish. Live aquatic plants help absorb waste and provide hiding places for fish. This reduces stress for shy or territorial fish.

Water Quality: Change the water regularly to remove waste and maintain clean water. About 1/5 to 1/4 of the tank volume each week. You should treat new water to remove chlorine before adding it to the tank. Remember that consistent water quality is especially important for sensitive ichthyic fish species.

Feeding: Overfeeding fish is a common problem for everyone. Only feed ugly fish as much as they can eat in five minutes, just like normal aquarium fish. That way, you keep them healthy and your tank clean. Take away food that hasn’t been eaten right away to keep the water clean.

Some ugly fish, like toadfish and frogfish, love a meaty meal. Feed them live or frozen foods to keep them happy and healthy. Others can accept high-quality pellets. Check your species’ needs to understand the amount of food needed.

Temperature: Ensure the water remains at the optimal temperature for your freshwater fish. Every kind has its own comfort zone. The water in the tank should be between 72°F and 82°F. Check the heater often to make sure the area stays steady. To keep your ugly fish happy, follow these simple steps. You can make a home that looks good and is good for your health.

Final Thought

From the well-known blobfish to the strange anglerfish.  They may look weird, but they must be in nature! If you like the weird side of nature, you should look more closely at the world of ugly fish. These strange animals provide us with a look at the amazing things that happen underwater. You can even keep one in your own home if you know how to do it and take care of it. It’s a wonderful approach to show off the distinct beauty of a species that most people don’t notice.