Fin's Fish Guide
The Black southern cod (Patagonotothen tessellata) is a saltwater fish of the family Nototheniidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Around southern South America; shallow coastal waters and kelp forests of Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands.
Description
The tessellated notothen is a cold-water fish of the notothen family (Nototheniidae) from the south-western Atlantic and south-eastern Pacific around southern South America. The species grows to about 28 cm and has a stocky body with a tessellated, mottled pattern that provides good camouflage on rocky bottoms. It inhabits shallow coastal waters and kelp forests in the cold waters around Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The male guards the eggs laid on the bottom. The species is locally important as prey and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black southern cod?
The Black southern cod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Chequered, marbled pattern as camouflage on rocky bottoms; the male guards the clutch.
Where does the Black southern cod live?
The Black southern cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Around southern South America; shallow coastal waters and kelp forests of Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands.
How big does the Black southern cod get?
The Black southern cod grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Black southern cod dangerous to humans?
No, the Black southern cod is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black southern cod edible?
The Black southern cod is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Patagonotothen
More from the family Nototheniidae
Want the complete picture on the Black southern cod?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black southern cod is one of 12,519 species in the app.