Where do Antarctic fish live?

Where do Antarctic fish live?

Southern Ocean
Many Antarctic fish species are grouped in a taxonomic group called Notothenioids. This order of fish is found specifically in the Southern Ocean, around New Zealand, Antarctica, and South America. They typically inhabit waters from around -2 to 10 °C (28 to 50 °F).

What eats Antarctic ice fish?

Larger fish, fur seals and gentoo penguins are predators of the icefish. Icefish have evolved a variety of interesting physiological and biochemical adaptations that either permit survival in, or are possible only because of, the generally cold, stable seawater temperatures of the Southern Ocean.

What fish are found in the Southern Ocean?

Antarctic fish is a common name for a variety of fish that inhabit the Southern Ocean. There are relatively few families in this region, the most species-rich being the Liparidae (snailfishes), followed by Nototheniidae (cod icefishes).

Can you ice fish in Antarctica?

Icefish populations are known to reside in the Atlantic and Indian sectors of the Southern Ocean, as well as the continental shelf waters surrounding Antarctica. Water temperatures in these regions remain relatively stable, generally ranging from −1.8 to 2 °C (28.8 to 35.6 °F).

Where did ice fish come from?

Icefish inhabit Antarctic and subantarctic waters in the Southern Ocean off Antarctica and southern South America. Even though they can live in waters that are only 28 degrees, these fish have antifreeze proteins that circulate through their bodies to keep them from freezing.

How many Antarctic fish are there?

There are approximately 200 species of fish in the Antarctic waters, and sixty percent of the world’s seal population resides in Antarctica.

Why do icefish have no hemoglobin?

So, as other species of fish died off in Antarctic waters, notothenioids thrived and diversified. In addition to having antifreeze proteins, icefish do not produce red blood cells or hemoglobin. As a result, their blood is less viscous and can flow easily even at very cold temperatures.

Can you go ice fishing in Antarctica?

“You can fish, but only with a scientific collection permit. All of the animals of the Southern Ocean are protected under the international Antarctic Treaty. So, even though there are species of cod that are edible, they are protected and can’t be caught, unless for scientific study.”