Suborder Notothenioidei Phylum Chordata Rank Species | ||
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Similar Chionodraco, Channichthyidae, Notothenioidei, Emerald rockcod, Trematomus | ||
The Chionodraco hamatus is a fish in the family Channichthyidae, the "crocodile icefish".
Contents
Description
Specimens range from 33 to 37 cm, with a maximum length of 49 cm.
Distribution
Chionodraco hamatus is found in the cold waters of the continental shelf surrounding Antarctica.
Habitat
This species lives in the demersal zone, and can be found at a depth range of 4 to 400 metres.
Diet
Chionodraco hamatus feeds most on small fish, krill, and fish larvae.
Reproduction
In common with many other channichthyid fishes, reproduction in Chionodraco hamatus involves laying eggs in a nest and parental guarding. Male prepares a nest and courts the female. Egg deposition (and presumably fertilization too) takes place at night. Female remains in the nest, guarding and fanning the eggs. Hatching takes place over a prolonged period of time. Male seems not to be involved in the care of the eggs.