Ugly Animals: 20 of the World’s Most Horrifying and Hysterical Creatures

Nature has a way of creating unique and fascinating creatures, but not all animals are considered cute or charming like the pandas or chinchillas we are familiar with. Some animals, in fact, are not so pretty to look at. While ugliness may be subjective, there are some creatures that most people would agree are unattractive.

But even though these animals may not have the typical features we associate with beauty, they possess unique characteristics that make them stand out from the crowd. In this list, we explore some of the weirdest and most unattractive animals in the world, proving once again that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

20 Ugly Animals Around The World

1. Blobfish

Meet the world’s ugliest animal – the blobfish. This silly-looking creature resembles a pink scoop of slime rather than a fish, and its appearance has earned it quite a reputation. However, there’s more to the blobfish than meets the eye. This deep-water fish goes by the scientific name of Psychrolutes marcidus and has adapted perfectly to live at depths of 2,000 to 4,000 feet beneath the surface.

Without the pressure of its natural habitat, the blobfish bloats into a cartoon blob, making it seem just as strange as it looks. But in the depths of the ocean, the blobfish sheds its comical appearance, revealing a spiny and sharp exterior you’d expect from a true sea creature. Despite its unappealing looks, the blobfish is a fascinating specimen that reminds us of the underlying complexity and diversity of the natural world.

2. Aye-Aye

The aye-aye may not have won the genetic lottery in terms of looks, but this tiny lemur from Madagascar certainly has some impressive survival skills. With bright orange eyes and rodent-like teeth that never stop growing, the aye-aye’s frazzled appearance is certainly distinctive. But it’s the creature’s ability to forage for food at night that really sets it apart.

As the world’s largest nocturnal primate, the aye-aye taps on trees to find grubs and makes tiny holes with its sharp incisors. With its long and thin middle finger, it then deftly pulls out the grubs. While it may not be the cutest animal out there, the aye-aye’s methods for finding food are nothing short of fascinating.

3. Naked Mole Rat

Although the naked mole rat may not win any awards for cuteness, its characteristics, and abilities cannot be dismissed. This peculiar rodent is virtually hairless and spends most of its time underground, leading to its blindness. Despite these challenges, the naked mole rat is well equipped to handle life underground with limited oxygen levels, proving that appearances can definitely be deceiving.

What sets this creature apart is its extraordinary lifespan, with the longest-known specimen living an impressive 32 years. And unlike most other animals, the naked mole rat’s mortality rate doesn’t seem to rise with age, making them seemingly immune to cancer. It’s clear that this unique rodent has much to teach us about how to survive and thrive in harsh, challenging environments.

4. Bald Uakari

The bald uakari may look like something out of a cartoon, with its bright red face that resembles a tomato that’s been thrown at its head. But there’s a logical reason behind its unique appearance. This primate doesn’t have any skin pigmentation, which means that its blood vessels are very close to the skin’s surface, resulting in its red complexion.

Although this New World monkey can be found living in Peru and Brazil, it prefers to call the Amazon river basin home. Sadly, the uakari has been designated as a Vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with its population numbers declining rapidly due to deforestation and hunting. It’s important that we take action to protect these fascinating and unusual primates before it’s too late.

5. Anglerfish

Deep within the ocean, lies a creature that sends shivers down the spine of even the bravest souls. It is known as the anglerfish, a predator that uses its luminescent fin ray to lure prey towards its sharp teeth. Interestingly, this ray gets its glow from symbiotic bacteria that live within the fish’s body.

When hunting, the anglerfish stays still on the ocean floor, conserving energy while waiting for its prey to become mesmerized by the dangly part on its head, known as the illicium. Once caught in the anglerfish’s trap, prey stands no chance against the predator’s powerful jaws, which can expand to accommodate prey that is twice its size. If you’re not careful, the anglerfish may very well end up haunting your nightmares.

6. Hammer-Headed Bat

The hammer-headed fruit bat, also known as the big-lipped bat, is undoubtedly one of the most unique species of bats found in West and Central Africa. With a wingspan of approximately 3.3 feet (1 m), these megabats are the largest in Africa. What sets this species apart from others is its sexual dimorphism, with males and females looking entirely different from each other.

Male bats have vocal cords three times larger than females, thanks to the large resonating chambers on their faces. Females, on the other hand, look more like regular megabats with fox-like characteristics. Regardless of their unique features, these bats are pests on fruit farms, leading locals to hunt them as bushmeat. While they are known for consuming large quantities of fruits such as bananas, figs, and mangoes, their presence on fruit farms is not appreciated.

7. Goblin Shark

It’s not often that you come across a fish whose face is as interesting and unique as the goblin shark’s. This deep-sea creature has a protruding jaw and a long snout resembling a goblin’s nose, making it a standout on our list. But what’s equally fascinating about this fish is that it’s a living fossil. The only surviving member of the Mitsukurinidae family from 125 million years ago. And let’s not forget about its mesmerizing pink hue. With its blood vessels visible beneath the skin, the goblin shark appears to be blushing. As it ages, it only gets pinker.

While they may not be the cutest of creatures, their hunting skills are quite impressive. Thanks to the organs in their nose, called ampullae of Lorenzini, they have a sixth sense that detects weak electric impulses produced by other living organisms, which comes in handy when preying on rattails and dragonfish. It’s not often that you come across a fish whose face is as interesting and unique as the goblin shark’s. This deep-sea creature has a protruding jaw and a long snout resembling a goblin’s nose, making it a standout on our list. But what’s equally fascinating about this fish is that it’s a living fossil.

The only surviving member of the Mitsukurinidae family from 125 million years ago. And let’s not forget about its mesmerizing pink hue. With its blood vessels visible beneath the skin, the goblin shark appears to be blushing. As it ages, it only gets pinker. While they may not be the cutest of creatures, their hunting skills are quite impressive. Thanks to the organs in their nose, called ampullae of Lorenzini, they have a sixth sense that detects weak electric impulses produced by other living organisms, which comes in handy when preying on rattails and dragonfish.

8. Indian Purple Frog

The Indian purple frog is a bizarre amphibian that never fails to capture attention. With its spherical, purple-tinged body and beady, widely-spaced eyes, it stands out among its frog counterparts. However, despite its unusual appearance, this frog is a native of the Western Ghats in India and an integral component of the region’s ecosystem. Most notably, the Indian purple frog spends a significant portion of its life underground, venturing to the surface only for two weeks during the monsoon season to mate.

During this time, the frogs forage underground, primarily munching on termites. Just as peculiar is the fact that locals consume the tadpoles of this species. They even participate in traditional tadpole-harvesting events, which add to the unique culture of the Western Ghats in India. Overall, this odd-looking and captivating amphibian is a fascinating creature in many ways.

9. Common Warthog

The common warthog is a formidable creature with a long head, broad snout, and deadly tusks. While it may not be the prettiest sight to behold, it is still fascinating. This wild animal resides in semi-open habitats in sub-Saharan Africa and feeds on a variety of items such as insects, carrion, roots, and bulbs. During mating season, males may fight, but typically, they prefer to run away when frightened.

They are incredibly fast, reaching speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km/h), which helps them avoid danger. Interestingly, when they enter their dens, they do so backward, keeping their tusks pointing toward the entrance. While the common warthog may not be the most attractive animal, it certainly is one of the most interesting.

10. Southern Elephant Seal

The elephant seal is a fascinating creature that comes in two species, the northern and the southern seal. These massive animals garnered their name due to a distinct feature of the male called the proboscis, which resembles an elephant’s trunk. During mating season, these animals make loud sounds using their proboscis to attract females. The southern elephant seal lives in frigid Antarctic waters, while the northern species prefers warmer climates like those found in Canada, Mexico, and the USA’s Eastern Pacific.

One unique thing about elephant seals is their ability to stay on land for long periods, going weeks without entering the water. During the breeding season, males come on land before the females to fight for control over harems, which can consist of several dozen females. However, some males do not have harems, and they try to mate with a female belonging to a harem master when he’s away.

11. Proboscis Monkey

Among the many intriguing primates in the animal kingdom, the proboscis monkey undoubtedly stands out. Its most distinguishing feature is the large mass of flesh on its face that is impossible to miss. This monkey, native to the island of Borneo, is one of the largest monkeys in Asia and is a beloved creature for many.

One of its most unique abilities is its love of water, which is complemented by its webbed toes perfectly equipped for swimming. However, just like other primates, they are far from quiet. Males use a distinctive honk to show their status in the group, and both males and females have specific warning calls. Even nonverbal communication is part of their repertoire, using branch-shaking and teeth-baring to convey different messages.  

12. Hyena

The hyena may have made it onto our list of ugly animals, but don’t let its somewhat comical appearance fool you. With a reputation for witchcraft and grave robbing, this creature carries a dark aura that has bewildered humans for centuries. Visually, hyenas are an intriguing combination of a dog and a fox, with strikingly canine heads that can suddenly transform into a laughing grin of sharp teeth.

But just because they appear to be having a good time doesn’t make them friendly, as these creatures can be vicious to those who cross their path. Even lions, known for being the king of the jungle, don’t dare to approach a hyena. However, unlike other predators, hyenas have no problem feasting on dead carcasses and leftovers, making them one of the most resourceful creatures in the animal kingdom.

13. Titicaca Water Frog

The Titicaca frog is a fascinating amphibian that has some unique characteristics. Their baggy skin helps them breathe in cold water while they lie at the bottom of the lake. They also have various color variations from grey to greenish-brown, with spots resembling a marble pattern, making them visually attractive creatures.

However, if you stress them out, they will secrete a gooey fluid as a defense mechanism. Despite their love for resting, they are also excellent swimmers, capable of quickly moving around the lake. Another interesting fact about these frogs is their underwater calls, which cannot be heard from the surface. They usually become active during the night, calling to attract females or mark their territory.

14. Giant Salamanders

Standing at a staggering six feet in length, the South China giant salamander earns its distinction as the largest salamander in the world. Its impressive size, however, is in no way enough to protect it from being endangered. The South China giant salamander is often harvested as a delicacy or used in traditional Chinese medicine, pushing it closer and closer to extinction.

Similar species of giant salamanders are found in Japan and the western USA, with the Japanese giant salamander reaching up to 4.7 feet in length. Surprisingly, the Japanese giant salamander has a long lifespan in captivity, with the longest recorded being 50 years. When fully grown, giant salamanders are fully aquatic and have specialized skin that allows them to absorb oxygen from the water.

15. Saiga Antelope

The saiga antelope may look perpetually sad, but its distinctive nose is anything but. With a long face and downward-facing nostrils, this quirky feature is actually quite useful during the animal’s summer migrations. Filtering dust and helping to cool the antelope down in the hot, arid climate, the nose is a crucial adaptation to surviving in the dry grasslands and deserts scattered throughout Asia. And during the winter months?

The nose is just as vital, helping to warm the cold air before it reaches the animal’s lungs. With large herds living in several countries, including Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, and Uzbekistan, the saiga antelope displays impressive mobility and can walk great distances in search of food, even crossing rivers to reach their destinations. While these animals are known to feast on a variety of plant life, including some poisonous species, they tend to steer clear of treacherous, rugged terrain.

16. Star-Nosed Mole

Have you ever heard of the star-nosed mole? It’s the second-mole species on our list, but it looks more like an alien than a mole due to its freakish tentacle-like organs coming out of its face. This nose contains 22 fleshy appendages with 25,000-minute sensory receptors known as Eimer’s organs. And get this- it can detect seismic wave vibrations! Talk about some serious sensory abilities.

However, despite this impressive nose, the star-nosed mole is pretty much blind like most moles. Native to the northern part of North America, this little creature likes to reside in low wetlands areas. It feeds on a variety of insects, including small aquatic ones like midges and dragonflies, as well as terrestrial ones like worms.

17. California Condor

The California Condor is a creature of contrasts. When viewed from a distance, this bird appears as a stunning masterpiece in mid-flight. However, upon closer examination, you’ll notice that they have wrinkled, bald heads with strange purple spots.

Despite its less-than-traditional appearance, this bird captures the imagination of many people due to the fact that it holds the title of the world’s longest-living bird, often enduring for up to 60 years. This legacy is significant when you consider they briefly became extinct in 1987. But it’s not just humans that are mesmerized by the California Condor; it holds a special place in the traditions of Californian Native American people.  

18. Marabou Stork

The Marabou Stork is truly a unique and fascinating creature. With its bald head and grumpy expression, it’s hard not to be immediately captivated by this bird. What’s even more impressive is its size, as it reaches a towering 5 feet in height and weighs up to 20 pounds. It’s no wonder that they don’t have many natural predators.

Their cloak-like wings and skinny legs give it a distinct, almost ominous, appearance from behind. Despite its intimidating appearance, the Marabou Stork is perfectly adapted to live in a variety of habitats across Africa, from wet to arid. It’s safe to say that this bird is definitely one of the most unusual and awe-inspiring animals on the planet.

19. Aardvark

The aardvark is unlike any other animal on the planet, with a look that is downright bizarre. Its unique appearance is due to its pig snout, kangaroo tail, and back hunch, all combined with a stocky body that is virtually impenetrable to insect bites. The aardvark also boasts abnormally large rabbit ears that help it disperse heat.

Native to Africa, this nocturnal mammal likes to steer clear of rocky areas as it scours for its favorite food – termites and ants. Using its sharp claws to dig out its prey, the aardvark definitely has a set of tools that make it a force to be reckoned with in the animal kingdom.

20. Giant Anteater

The giant anteater may not be winning any beauty contests, but it certainly has a special feature that sets it apart. Of course, we’re talking about its incredibly long mouth. Though it may seem a bit odd at first, this unique adaptation actually serves a very important purpose in the animal’s diet.

You see, the giant anteater eats ants…lots of them. And the long mouth, combined with its sticky tongue, helps it to snatch up as many of those little critters as possible. The anteater’s tongue is pretty impressive too, reaching up to 18 inches and moving in and out an astonishing 160 times per minute. Now that’s one talented tongue!

FAQ

Which ugly animals are endangered?

The endangerment of the Lake Titicaca frog is a result of human activities and pollution, while the proboscis monkey is facing a threat of extinction primarily due to deforestation. Furthermore, the California condor, Saiga antelope, and South China giant salamander have been categorized as either endangered or critically endangered due to their vulnerable status.

What is the coolest animal in the world?

The axolotl stands out as one of the most extraordinary creatures on the planet. This aquatic salamander possesses remarkable intelligence and has the remarkable ability to regenerate a significant portion of its anatomy, including limbs, spinal structures, and even segments of its brain.

What is the ugliest animal in the world?

The blobfish

What is the scariest animal in the world?

The coconut crab claims the title of the world’s most intimidating creature. As the largest known crab species, it commands attention. Additionally, intriguing speculation suggests that this species could have potentially consumed the remains of Amelia Earhart.

Final Words

At first glance, many people may dismiss ugly animals as unworthy of attention or affection. But upon closer inspection, these animals possess unique and fascinating characteristics that make them just as important as their more aesthetically pleasing counterparts. Take the naked mole rat, for example. 

While it may not be the most attractive animal out there, its ability to live for 30 years and resist cancer has made it the subject of numerous scientific studies. And let’s not forget about the blobfish, which may look like a melting blob, but is actually perfectly adapted to the extreme pressures of the deep sea. 

Reference:

• https://outforia.com/ugly-animals/
• https://safarisafricana.com/ugly-animals/
• https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/ugly-animals