Head to head
Antarctic Silverfish vs Antarctic Toothfish
Antarctic Silverfish
VS Antarctic Toothfish
Both fish share antifreeze-protected blood and Antarctic waters, but occupy very different positions in the same food web.
| Antarctic Silverfish | Antarctic Toothfish | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pleuragramma antarcticum | Dissostichus mawsoni |
| Size | A small forage fish | Grows to a considerable size |
| Ecological role | A key prey species for many predators | A major predator, also preyed on by larger animals |
| Water column | Spends nearly its entire life in open water | Found near the seafloor and in open water |
| Blood | Contains natural antifreeze proteins | Contains natural antifreeze proteins |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Unknown | Unknown |
| Habitat | Ocean, polar | Ocean, polar |
Antarctic Silverfish vs Antarctic Toothfish: common questions
Which one is higher up the food chain?
The Antarctic toothfish sits higher up the food chain, growing to a considerable size and preying on other fish and squid, while the Antarctic silverfish instead serves mainly as prey for larger predators.
Do both have antifreeze in their blood?
Yes, both species produce natural antifreeze glycoproteins that circulate in their blood, preventing ice crystals from forming in the sub-zero Southern Ocean water they inhabit.
Which one spends its life in open water rather than near the seafloor?
The Antarctic silverfish does this, spending nearly its entire life in the open water column, unlike the Antarctic toothfish, which is found both near the seafloor and in open water.