The Antarctic fish fauna is unusual in being dominated by the radiation of small number of groups. The most striking radiation is that of the so-called Antarctic cods (not related to true cods) the Notothenioids, which dominate the continental shelves. However in deeper waters there are also significant radiations of snail-fishes (Liparidae) and eel-pouts (Zoarcidae)
The Antarctic fish fauna contains the unique vertebrate group the Channichyidae or icefish (so called because of their pale colouration). These fish are the only group of vertebrates which have no red blood pigment (haemoglobin). Oxygen is transported instead in a simple solution in the blood plasma. The mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) is important prey for Antarctic Fur seals, and also the subject of a closely regulated commercial fishery.
Antarctic Nototheniid fish living in close proximity to ice have evolved a glycoprotein antifreeze in their body fluids to prevent freezing.
Fish in the Southern Ocean have been or are subject to commercial exploitation. Since 1990 the most important species of fish commercially has been the Patagonian tooth fish (Dissostichus eleginoides), which is taken on longlines set in around 1000 m at the shelf breakUnfortunately, this longline fishery is responsible for a high incidental mortality of albatrosses and petrels.
Large fisheries for squid occur in waters adjacent to the Antarctic. Commercially exploitable squid live in Antarctic waters and exploratory fishing for them has already taken place. If-full scale fishing develops, it will require management under precautionary principles by CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), because of the risk to dependent predators.
The Antarctic fish fauna contains the unique vertebrate group the Channichyidae or icefish (so called because of their pale colouration). These fish are the only group of vertebrates which have no red blood pigment (haemoglobin). Oxygen is transported instead in a simple solution in the blood plasma. The mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) is important prey for Antarctic Fur seals, and also the subject of a closely regulated commercial fishery.
Antarctic Nototheniid fish living in close proximity to ice have evolved a glycoprotein antifreeze in their body fluids to prevent freezing.
Fish in the Southern Ocean have been or are subject to commercial exploitation. Since 1990 the most important species of fish commercially has been the Patagonian tooth fish (Dissostichus eleginoides), which is taken on longlines set in around 1000 m at the shelf breakUnfortunately, this longline fishery is responsible for a high incidental mortality of albatrosses and petrels.
Large fisheries for squid occur in waters adjacent to the Antarctic. Commercially exploitable squid live in Antarctic waters and exploratory fishing for them has already taken place. If-full scale fishing develops, it will require management under precautionary principles by CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), because of the risk to dependent predators.
