Fin's Fish Guide
The Frostfish (Benthodesmus vityazi) is a saltwater fish of the family Trichiuridae that grows up to 77 cm.
Description
The Vityaz frostfish is an elongate cutlassfish from the deeper waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. The species grows to about 77 cm and has a ribbon-shaped, silvery, strongly compressed body with a long dorsal fin and sharp teeth. As a predator it lives in open water over the continental slope, to about 900 metres depth, and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. The fish is largely harmless to humans and has little commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Frostfish?
The Frostfish has a snake-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Ribbon-shaped compressed body with sharp teeth; open-water predator
Where does the Frostfish live?
The Frostfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Pacific and Indian Ocean
How big does the Frostfish get?
The Frostfish grows to a maximum of about 77 cm.
Is the Frostfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Frostfish 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 Frostfish edible?
The Frostfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Benthodesmus
More from the family Trichiuridae
Want the complete picture on the Frostfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Frostfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.