📖 Overview
Adults are found from near shore to farther than 750 m. Feed mainly on fishes and occasionally on algae.
Scientific Name
Channichthys rhinoceratus
Authority
Richardson, 1844
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 54 - 58. : elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Unicorn icefish is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous
📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 750 m . Polar; 46°S - 57°S, 61°E - 83°E endemic to the Kerguelen-Heard Plateau, Antarctica.
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
⬇️ Benthic
Food Items
fishes and occasionally on algae
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.00132 × L3.46
(TL)
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
46.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Described By
Richardson, 1844
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Channichthys Rhinoceratus is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
- 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
✗ Avoid If
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking
Grilling
Pan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient |
Amount |
| Protein |
17.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) |
240 mg
|
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Unicorn icefish has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg