Patagonian toothfish

Dissostichus eleginoides

Size: 0.7–2.2 m · 5–100 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Cathemeral
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: —

Patagonian toothfish is a fish associated with open ocean and polar habitats. It is carnivorous and usually solitary. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.

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Key facts

Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) is a carnivore animal classified as Fish · Perciformes · Nototheniidae.
Primary habitats are open ocean · polar, with a range across Southern Ocean · Antarctic.
Activity is cathemeral, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Patagonian toothfish is a fish associated with open ocean and polar habitats.
Its range is represented here by the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, where it uses open ocean and polar habitats.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

Its range is represented here by the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, where it uses open ocean and polar habitats. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.

Appearance

Typical length 70-220 cm, weight 5 kg-100 kg. It has a finned fish body plan, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.

Behavior

It is active in bouts across day and night and usually solitary. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.

Feeding

It is carnivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in open ocean and polar habitats, so movements often follow available food resources.

Reproduction

Breeding usually involves spawning, with eggs and young developing in suitable freshwater, coastal, or reef habitats.

Notes

Recorded scientifically as Dissostichus eleginoides. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.