The Blackfin icefish (Chaenocephalus aceratus) is a unique species native to the cold waters of the Southern Ocean, particularly around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. Recognizable by its translucent, scaleless body and lack of hemoglobin, this fish thrives in frigid, oxygen-rich environments. The commercial fishing of Blackfin icefish is relatively limited compared to other Antarctic species, with the main harvesting nations being Chile, Argentina, and occasionally Russia and Ukraine. These countries operate under strict regulations set by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to prevent overfishing and protect the fragile Antarctic ecosystem. The icefish is mainly caught for export to Asian and European markets, where it is valued for its delicate, white flesh. However, overall catches remain low due to both conservation measures and the species' specialized habitat requirements.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.