Patagonian toothfish
📖 Overview
At 12-15 cm TL, semi-pelagic juveniles become demersal at 150-400 m depth . Adults migrate to deeper habitats at depths greater than 1,000 m . Utilized as food fish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 30; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 28 - 30; Vertebrae: 53 - 54. Lateral line scales 88-104 (upper), 61-77 (lower).: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Patagonian toothfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Patagonian toothfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
May spawn for the first time from around 8-10 years of age .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 2144 m , usually 70 - 1500 m . Temperate; 33°S - 66°S, 77°W - 180°E Southeast Pacific and Southwest Atlantic: southern Chile round the coast to Patagonia (Argentina) and the Falkland Islands.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Patagonian toothfish 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 | 17.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 744 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Patagonian toothfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissostichus amissus | Gill & Townsend | 1901 | Synonym |
| Dissosticus eleginoides | Smitt | 1898 | Synonym |
| Macrias amissus | Gill & Townsend | 1901 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 17 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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