The ocellated icefish (Chionodraco rastrospinosus) is a unique Antarctic species distinguished by its lack of hemoglobin, resulting in nearly transparent blood and a pale appearance. This fish inhabits the cold waters of the Southern Ocean, particularly around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. The primary countries involved in the commercial harvesting of ocellated icefish and related species are those with access to Antarctic fisheries, notably Argentina, Chile, and Russia, which operate under the regulatory framework of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The icefish fishery is relatively small and highly regulated due to the species’ slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing. These countries target icefish for export, mainly to Asian and European markets, where the delicate, white flesh is valued as a seafood delicacy.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.