Latin name

Dissostichus eleginoides

Other name

Chilean sea bass, mero, and icefish.

Identification

The Patagonian toothfish has a streamlined, spindle-shaped body that is 5-6.4 times its normal length. It has a flattened head with a wide, flat area between the eyes. The snout is longer than the diameter of the eyes. The mouth is large, set behind the centre of the eye. There are two rows of teeth on the upper jaw, the teeth on the outer row being larger and fanglike. The lower jaw has a row of spaced teeth that resemble fangs. Additional fang-like teeth are located outside the rows of teeth at the junction of the upper and lower jaws. There are two lateral lines; both flippers are composed of tubular scales, one at the top and the other in the middle of the sides. Number of vertebrae: 53-54. Lateral line of scales: 88-104 (upper), 61-77 (lower).

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 30; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 28 - 30.

Fish colouring

The overall body colour of the Patagonian toothfish is brownish grey with darker spots.

Distribution

The species is found in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. Southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic: south of Chile, along the coast to Patagonia (Argentina) and the Falkland Islands. Southwest Pacific: Macquarie Island. Southern Ocean: South Georgia. Also known from the sub-Antarctic islands and seamounts of the Indian sector.

Habitat

A pelagic-oceanic oceanodromous fish that prefers temperate climates. It inhabits depths between 300 and 2000 metres. 

Size

The total length of this species is 70.0 cm. The largest recorded length is 215 cm. Maximum weight can exceed 100 kg. Maximum age is 31 years.

Behavior

Semi-pelagic juveniles sink to the bottom at depths of 150-400 m. Adults migrate to deeper habitats, to depths of over 1000 m.

Food and feeding habits

A predatory species, it feeds on small squid, fish, benthic invertebrates and carrion. 

Reproduction

May spawn for the first time at about 8-10 years of age.

Fishing

Along with Dissostichus mawsoni, it is a valuable fishing target. It is caught using bottom longlines. High world prices for this fish encourage illegal fishing.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. The flesh of these fish has a high fat content (up to 30%) and excellent flavour.