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Ocean - Saltwater
Fish of the Southern (Antarctic) Ocean
The frigid waters encircling Antarctica - home to icefish, toothfish, krill, and one of the least-exploited large marine ecosystems.
Continent: Antarctica Area: 21,960,000 km² Max Depth: 7,075m Climate: Polar
📖 Overview
The Southern Ocean is defined by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and near-freezing water temperatures. Icefish are the only vertebrates without red blood cells. The Patagonian toothfish (marketed as Chilean sea bass) supports a controversial deep-sea fishery. Krill fisheries pose emerging pressure on the base of the food web.
🐟 Notable Species
Antarctic toothfish, mackerel icefish, Antarctic krill (foundation species), notothenioids.
🔗 Nearby & Similar Regions