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Narrowhead rockcod (Gobionotothen angustifrons) — Nototheniidae

Narrowhead rockcod

Gobionotothen angustifrons
Family: Nototheniidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Narrowhead rockcod (Gobionotothen angustifrons) is a saltwater fish of the family Nototheniidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
20.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–110.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Antarctic Ocean (Antarctica)
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The narrowhead rockcod is an Antarctic fish of the notothen family, occurring around the islands of the Scotia Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky body with a fairly narrow head. As a bottom-dweller it lives on the continental shelf of the icy Southern Ocean and feeds on small crustaceans, worms and other bottom life. The fish is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated by the IUCN (NE).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Narrowhead rockcod?

The Narrowhead rockcod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Antarctic bottom-dweller with a narrow head; cold-resistant

Where does the Narrowhead rockcod live?

The Narrowhead rockcod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Antarctic Ocean (Antarctica)

How big does the Narrowhead rockcod get?

The Narrowhead rockcod grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Narrowhead rockcod dangerous to humans?

No, the Narrowhead 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.

Is the Narrowhead rockcod edible?

The Narrowhead rockcod is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Narrowhead rockcod verified
Scientific name
Gobionotothen angustifrons
Family
Nototheniidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
110.0 verified
Natural range
Antarctic Ocean (Antarctica) verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans, worms and bottom life inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Antarctic bottom-dwelling icefish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Antarctic bottom-dweller with a narrow head; cold-resistant sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Gobionotothen

More from the family Nototheniidae

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