Toothfish is a common name for two kinds of fish that live in deep, cold waters of the world’s southernmost oceans. The Antarctic toothfish has a special protein in its body that functions as an antifreeze, enabling the fish to live in the icy waters of Antarctica. The Patagonian toothfish is a popular food fish. It lacks the antifreeze protein, and so it lives mainly in warmer waters along the coasts of Chile and Patagonia (a region in southern Argentina) and around the Falkland Islands off Argentina’s southern coast. The Patagonian toothfish often appears on restaurant menus and in fish markets as Chilean sea bass. It is not related to true sea bass. Other names for toothfish are black hake and mero.
People enjoy eating Patagonian toothfish because, when cooked, its flesh is white and has a firm texture, high fat content, and rich flavor. The species has become threatened because of overfishing to meet demand. Patagonian toothfish grow slowly, taking about 9 years to reach maturity and reproduce. They also produce fewer eggs than do other fish species. Environmental activists and scientists urge strict controls on the harvesting of Patagonian toothfish because of these characteristics.
Patagonian toothfish are caught by long-lining, fishing with a long main line to which many baited hooks are attached. They also are caught by trawling, the towing of a funnel-shaped net behind a boat. An international agreement controls the harvesting of Patagonian toothfish, but illegal fishing has further reduced its population.
The Antarctic toothfish is not at risk due to overfishing. Fewer of the Antarctic species are caught because they live in ice-choked waters. Moreover, the Antarctic toothfish produces more eggs and grows faster than does the Patagonian toothfish.
Toothfish are typically mottled (unevenly or indistinctly spotted) black, brown, or gray on a lighter background. Their lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper jaw, and they have many sharp, irregular teeth in a large mouth. There are two fins on the toothfish’s back. The forward fin is smaller than the back fin, which tapers toward the tail. The Antarctic toothfish can grow as long as 6 feet (183 centimeters), weigh up to 176 pounds (80 kilograms), and live 30 years or more. The Patagonian toothfish can reach a length of 7 feet (213 centimeters), weigh over 220 pounds (100 kilograms), and live for more than 40 years. Both species feed on crabs, small fish, and squid. Killer whales, seals, and sperm whales prey on toothfish.
