Mackerel Icefish
Champsocephalus gunnari
- Group: Tuna
- Typical depth: 0–700 m
- Max size: 66 cm
- For divers: safe
This icefish has clear blood with no red pigment, drawing oxygen straight from the cold Antarctic water through its skin and gills. It feeds mainly on krill and shrimp like mysids, and spawns in autumn and winter with a long drifting larval stage. It has been a major target for Southern Ocean trawl fisheries.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Perciformes › Channichthyidae › Champsocephalus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 234797.
FAQ
- How deep does the Mackerel Icefish live?
- The Mackerel Icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) is typically found at 0–700 m.
- Is the Mackerel Icefish dangerous to divers?
- The Mackerel Icefish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Mackerel Icefish get?
- The Mackerel Icefish grows to about 66 cm.