The Top Long Fingered Icefish (Chionodraco hamatus) is a unique Antarctic species belonging to the family Channichthyidae, commonly known as icefishes, which are notable for their lack of hemoglobin and transparent, scaleless bodies. This species inhabits the cold waters of the Southern Ocean, particularly around Antarctica and nearby sub-Antarctic islands. Commercial fishing for the Top Long Fingered Icefish is relatively limited due to its remote habitat and specialized ecological niche, but countries with active fishing fleets in Antarctic waters, such as Russia, South Korea, and Ukraine, have been involved in the targeted or bycatch harvest of icefish, including this species. The fishing industry operates under the regulations of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to ensure sustainable management and minimize environmental impact. Most of the catch is processed for export, with icefish valued for their delicate flesh in some Asian and European markets.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.