Pike icefish
📖 Overview
Pike icefish (Champsocephalus esox) is a ray-finned fish of the family Channichthyidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 35 cm. It occurs at depths between 50 and 250 metres. With a trophic level of 3.9, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 32; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 31; Vertebrae: 57 - 60. Posterior margin of caudal fin emarginate. No scales except on lateral line. Body brown, irregularly mottled .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pike icefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 50 - 250 m . Temperate; 50°S - 56°S, 76°W - 56°W South Georgia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pike icefish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 460 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pike icefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | pike icefish |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Geddeisfisk |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | ワニクチ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-gelo-crocodilo |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Щучья белокровка |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Pez de hielo · Pez Hielo · Tsataki |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaenichthys esox | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 14 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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