Mackerel icefish

Photo of Mackerel Icefish courtesy of Austral Fisheries

[Mackerel icefish reaches up to 35cm in length - Photo courtesy of Austral Fisheries]

Mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) are widely distributed in sub-Antarctic latitudes and are found on the shelves of Kerguelen and Heard Islands, at Bouvet Island and at all the islands of the Scotia Arc (South Georgia, South Sandwich, South Orkney, South Shetland Islands) as well as the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Mackerel icefish are found ranging in depths up to 700 metres with the older juveniles and adults forming large aggregations predominantly in the demersal (found at or near the sea bottom) or mid-water range of the water column, foraging on krill and small fish.

Mackerel icefish have a relatively fast growth rate, maturing at a length of 22 cm to 26 cm (between 3 and 4 years) and reaching a length of 35 cm at harvest.

Icefish has been offered to Asian and European markets where it was well received. Its flesh is white and firm, almost like King George Whiting, but with a greater oil content. This fish species is ideal for grilling, baking or steaming.