The spiny icefish (family Channichthyidae), known for their unique lack of hemoglobin and translucent bodies, inhabit the cold waters of the Southern Ocean, particularly around Antarctica. These fish are adapted to extreme environments and are mainly targeted for commercial purposes as a minor component of the Antarctic finfish fishery. The primary countries involved in spiny icefish fishing are Russia, Ukraine, and, to a lesser extent, Chile, operating under strict regulations set by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The industry is relatively small compared to other fisheries, with quotas and seasonal restrictions in place to protect the fragile Antarctic ecosystem and ensure the sustainability of spiny icefish populations.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.