Animals come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some are beautiful, majestic and endearing. Others are downright nasty and repugnant. Wouldn’t it be fun to try and narrow down the worst looking of the bunch? Here is my unofficial list of the top ten ugliest animals in the world.
10. Sphynx Cat
This cat is hairless and hideous. Despite its horrible looks, it is known as quite loving towards its human owners. They are also said to have fantastic personalities. Sphynx cats are highly intelligent and curious, and they have a playful and affectionate nature. They are also known for being quite vocal and social, and they tend to get along well with other pets and children.
9. Warthog
Found in Africa, the warthog looks like a pig with horns. Warts cover their large flat heads. Even though these warts are for protection, they are not aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
8. Baird Tapir
The baird tapir is the largest mammal found in Mexico and South America. As if a nose and upper lip that stick straight into the air isn’t ugly enough, they also have four toes on the front feet and three toes on the back.
7. Proboscis Monkey
The proboscis monkey is on the endangered species list. Their long, protruding noses are used to honk in a form of communication with other monkeys. The Proboscis monkey is a skilled swimmer and is often found near rivers or other bodies of water. Its diet consists primarily of leaves, seeds, and unripe fruits, although it may occasionally eat insects and small animals.
6. Celestial Eyed Gold Fish
Goldfish remind us of a small, cute pet fish. This is hardly the case with the celestial eyed gold fish. With eyes larger than their stomachs, they can be quite frightening. It is a peaceful and social fish that can be kept in groups with other fish of similar temperament and size. They prefer a well-planted aquarium with a variety of hiding places.
5. Aye-Aye
Found in Madagascar, this is the largest nocturnal primate. It taps on trees to find food, similar to the woodpecker. The aye-aye is on the endangered species list because it is thought to be bad luck and killed on sight.
4. Star Nosed Mole
The star nosed mole is located in parts of the United States and Canada. It has a star shaped nose with 22 fleshy tentacles reaching out. This absurd nose is so sensitive, it can even sense electricity. The Star Nosed Mole is a skilled swimmer and lives in wetland areas, where it feeds on small invertebrates, such as worms and insects. Its specialized nose helps it to detect and locate prey in murky water, and its sharp teeth and strong jaws allow it to capture and consume its prey quickly.
3. Tarsier
As the smallest known primate, the tarsier is the size of a human hand. They like to jump from tree to tree to catch flying birds. If captured, this animal is known to kill itself due to the stress. Tarsiers are classified as endangered species due to habitat loss and illegal hunting for the pet trade. In recent years, conservation efforts have been made to protect these animals, including the establishment of protected areas and breeding programs in captivity.
2. Naked Mole Rat
Also known as “sand puppy,” the naked mole rat is found in East Africa. They have large protruding teeth used for digging. The naked mole rats eyes are small and narrow, perfect for its life underground. Naked Mole Rats are highly social animals that live in large underground colonies, with a queen, workers, and soldiers. They have a unique ability to tolerate high levels of carbon dioxide, which allows them to live in underground tunnels with limited ventilation. They are also able to survive without access to water for extended periods of time, obtaining moisture from the roots and tubers that they eat.
1. Blobfish
Found in the deep waters of Australia, the blob fish is the ugliest known animal in the world. It is rarely seen by humans because it lives in the deepest parts of the ocean. Due to its body make up, the blob fish can float above the sea floor without wasting any energy.
What would the world be like if all animals looked the same? Though the animals listed here are odd, weird, and mostly ugly, every one of them has a purpose for existing. Hopefully, we can appreciate even the most repulsive.
