Revealed, the ugliest animal on earth: the humble Blobfish

Other contenders for the prize included the axolotl and the pig-nosed turtle

If you see any pink, greasy, blancmange-like fish looking smug this weekend, here's why.

The aptly-named blobfish, which usually lives deep in the Pacific Ocean, is celebrating its coronation as The Ugliest Creature on Earth.

The competition was organised by The Ugly Animal Preservation Society, with the winner announced at the British Science Festival in Newcastle.

The society's president, biologist and TV presenter Simon Watt, said he hoped these animals might be better-protected if their ugly uniqueness is celebrated.

He told the BBC: "Our traditional approach to conservation is egotistical.

"We only protect the animals that we relate to because they're cute, like pandas.

"If extinction threats are as bad as they seem, then focusing just on very charismatic megafauna is completely missing the point.

"I have nothing against pandas, but they have their supporters. These species need help."

Click here to see a gallery of the nominees

The blobfish beat off competition from the pig-nosed turtle, the Titicata water frog, and the axolotl.

A number of celebrities backed the campaign, including Stephen Fry who tipped the greater short-horned lizard.