While the blobfish has gained notoriety due to its unusual appearance and the perception of its vulnerability, there is limited scientific data on its population size and distribution. It's therefore difficult to assess its conservation status accurately.
However, the blobfish faces several threats, including:
* Bycatch: This is the most likely threat, as they are caught accidentally in deep-sea fishing nets intended for other species.
* Habitat loss: While the exact extent of their habitat is unclear, deep-sea fishing can damage their environment.
* Climate change: Ocean acidification and rising temperatures could potentially impact the blobfish's survival.
Further research is needed to understand the blobfish's population dynamics and the specific impacts of these threats to determine if they are facing a significant risk of extinction.