Fin's Fish Guide
The Antarctic notothen (Pagothenia brachysoma) is a fish of the family Nototheniidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Antarctic notothen is a notothenioid (Nototheniidae) from the icy waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, greyish body and characteristically lives against the underside of the pack ice, sheltering among the ice crystals. Antifreeze compounds in its blood prevent freezing. It feeds on small zooplankton, especially krill and amphipods. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Antarctic notothen?
The Antarctic notothen is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Antarctic notothen live?
The Antarctic notothen is mostly found around mixed bottom.
How big does the Antarctic notothen get?
The Antarctic notothen grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Antarctic notothen dangerous to humans?
No, the Antarctic notothen is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Want the complete picture on the Antarctic notothen?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Antarctic notothen is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pagothenia
More from the family Nototheniidae
Want the complete picture on the Antarctic notothen?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Antarctic notothen is one of 12,519 species in the app.