Head to head
Mackerel Icefish vs Antarctic Toothfish
Both fish share the Southern Ocean's antifreeze-protected waters and a history of commercial fishing, but their biology and ecological roles differ sharply.
| Mackerel Icefish | Antarctic Toothfish | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Champsocephalus gunnari | Dissostichus mawsoni |
| Blood | Nearly colourless, lacking haemoglobin | Normal red blood, protected by antifreeze proteins |
| Size | Smaller than the Antarctic toothfish | Grows to a considerable size |
| Ecological role | Feeds on krill and small fish | Key prey for colossal squid, sperm whales, and seals |
| Fishing history | Historically heavily overfished | Managed under an international fishery quota |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Unknown |
| Habitat | Ocean, polar | Ocean, polar |
Mackerel Icefish vs Antarctic Toothfish: common questions
Which one has almost colourless blood?
The mackerel icefish has this trait, lacking haemoglobin entirely like all icefish, unlike the Antarctic toothfish, which has normal red blood protected instead by natural antifreeze proteins.
Which one grows larger?
The Antarctic toothfish grows larger, reaching a considerable size that makes it important prey for colossal squid, sperm whales, and seals, unlike the smaller mackerel icefish.
Which one has been more affected by overfishing?
The mackerel icefish was more severely affected historically, suffering sharp population collapses under unregulated fishing before strict quotas were introduced, though the Antarctic toothfish is also carefully managed today.