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Gray rockcod (Lepidonotothen squamifrons) — Nototheniidae

Gray rockcod

Lepidonotothen squamifrons
Family: Nototheniidae

The Gray rockcod (Lepidonotothen squamifrons) is a saltwater fish of the family Nototheniidae that grows up to 55 cm.

Length
55 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–900.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The grey rockcod is a notothenioid fish of the family Nototheniidae from the cold waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. The species grows to about 55 cm and has a stocky, greyish body. It lives demersally on the continental shelf and slope. As a bottom and midwater searcher it feeds mainly on macrozooplankton, chiefly crustaceans (krill), cnidarians and salps. Like other icefishes it is adapted to the ice-cold water. The grey rockcod is locally fished and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gray rockcod?

The Gray rockcod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Gray rockcod live?

The Gray rockcod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Gray rockcod get?

The Gray rockcod grows to a maximum of about 55 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Gray rockcod dangerous to humans?

No, the Gray rockcod is harmless to humans.

Is the Gray rockcod edible?

Yes, the Gray rockcod is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grijze ijsbaars sourced
English name
Gray rockcod verified
Scientific name
Lepidonotothen squamifrons
Family
Nototheniidae
Other names
Grey notothen; Grey rockcod; Striped-eye notothen; Striped-eyed rockcod verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
55.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
900.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
19.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Nototheniidae

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