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Dusky notothen (Trematomus newnesi) — Nototheniidae

Dusky notothen

Trematomus newnesi
Family: Nototheniidae

The Dusky notothen (Trematomus newnesi) is a saltwater fish of the family Nototheniidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
24.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–400 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Ice-cold waters around Antarctica; shallow coastal waters and intertidal zone.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The dusky notothen is an Antarctic notothen (Nototheniidae) from the icy waters around Antarctica. The species has a stocky body and is adapted to extreme cold with antifreeze glycoproteins in the blood that prevent freezing. It occurs in shallow coastal waters, most commonly in the intertidal zone. As an omnivore it feeds on amphipods, polychaete worms, snails and krill. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dusky notothen?

The Dusky notothen has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Antifreeze glycoproteins against freezing; inhabits the Antarctic intertidal zone.

Where does the Dusky notothen live?

The Dusky notothen lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Ice-cold waters around Antarctica; shallow coastal waters and intertidal zone.

How big does the Dusky notothen get?

The Dusky notothen grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Dusky notothen dangerous to humans?

No, the Dusky notothen is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Dusky notothen edible?

The Dusky notothen is rarely eaten.

More photos

Dusky notothen (Trematomus newnesi) — Nototheniidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Justin Hofman, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Dusky notothen verified
Scientific name
Trematomus newnesi
Family
Nototheniidae
Other names
Dusky rockcod verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
400 verified
Natural range
Ice-cold waters around Antarctica; shallow coastal waters and intertidal zone.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Amphipods, polychaetes, small snails and krill sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Antifreeze glycoproteins against freezing; inhabits the Antarctic intertidal zone. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Trematomus

More from the family Nototheniidae

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