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Blue rockcod (Notothenia cyanobrancha) — Nototheniidae

Blue rockcod

Notothenia cyanobrancha
Family: Nototheniidae

The Blue rockcod (Notothenia cyanobrancha) is a fish of the family Nototheniidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The blue rockcod is an Antarctic notothen (Nototheniidae) from cold coastal and reef water of the subantarctic islands in the Southern Ocean. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, brown-grey mottled body with a large head. Like many relatives its blood contains antifreeze proteins against the icy water. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches among rock and weed for crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue rockcod?

The Blue rockcod is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Blue rockcod live?

The Blue rockcod is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Blue rockcod get?

The Blue rockcod grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Blue rockcod dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue rockcod 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Blue rockcod sourced
Scientific name
Notothenia cyanobrancha
Family
Nototheniidae
Other names
Bluegill notothen

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
25 inferred
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Notothenia

More from the family Nototheniidae

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