Fisheries Infosite

Antarctic Toothfish Ex Territorial (200 mile limit) (ATOET)
Scientific name
Dissostichus mawsoni

Physical characteristics

Antarctic toothfish are brownish-grey with darker blotches on the back and a greyish underside. They can grow to a maximum length of 250 cm with females averaging a length of 185 cm and males 170 cm. there is also a very similar species known as Patagonian toothfish (PTO)

Life cycle

Toothfish have a maximum age of 48 years. They are believed to reach maturity at over 100 cm length. Spawning information is limited, but is thought to take place from late May, peaking in winter and extending through until October/November.

Habitat

Toothfish are found at depths up to 2000 m. They are piscivorous feeders and prey includes icefish, eel cods, violet cod, cephalopods, silverfish, and squid.


Antarctic toothfish (ATO) are also known under species code; TOA when inconnection with CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Marine Living Resources)
 
Key statistics
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025