Fin's Fish Guide
The Antarctic spiny plunderfish (Harpagifer antarcticus) is a saltwater fish of the family Harpagiferidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The Antarctic spiny plunderfish is a small bottom fish from the Southern Ocean, along the Antarctic Peninsula coast and the islands around it. It grows to about 9.5 cm and has a large head with a spiny gill cover and a rearward-tapering body with two dorsal fins. It lives on rocky bottoms in very shallow water, usually under stones, and feeds on small crustaceans, especially amphipods. The species shows extensive parental care and guards its eggs. Like other notothenioid fishes it is adapted to ice-cold water. The IUCN has not evaluated the species (NE).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Antarctic spiny plunderfish?
The Antarctic spiny plunderfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Spiny operculum; extensive parental care; adapted to ice-cold water
Where does the Antarctic spiny plunderfish live?
The Antarctic spiny plunderfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Ocean (Antarctic)
How big does the Antarctic spiny plunderfish get?
The Antarctic spiny plunderfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Antarctic spiny plunderfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Antarctic spiny plunderfish 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.
Is the Antarctic spiny plunderfish edible?
The Antarctic spiny plunderfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Harpagifer
More from the family Harpagiferidae
Want the complete picture on the Antarctic spiny plunderfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Antarctic spiny plunderfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.