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Lookup NU author(s): Huw JamesORCiD, Dr Fabrice StephensonORCiD, Dr William Reid
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Comprehending a species’ life history strategies is crucial to inform effective conservation efforts. Commercial fishing impacts icefish (Family Channichthyidae) in the Scotia Sea, but detailed information on species-specific life histories remains largely unknown. In this study, the demographic characteristics of mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari), blackfin icefish (Chaenocephalus aceratus), and South Georgia icefish (Pseudochaenichthys georgianus) were examined and used to compare inferred life history strategies, using long-term data from demersal and plankton trawl surveys conducted across the South Georgia and the Shag Rocks continental shelves. The results indicated that C. gunnari may exhibit alternative reproductive tactics, as they appear to spawn multiple times in a single year and mature at varying sizes. Conversely, C. aceratus and P. georgianus reproduced once per annum, and appeared to favour investing in somatic growth, resulting in them consistently maturing at a larger size. Seasonal sex ratios demonstrated a reduction in captured mature males for C. aceratus and P. georgianus during the suspected spawning period, supporting the hypothesis of sex-specific behavioural patterns during the reproductive period. These findings highlight the variation in the life history strategies among these three icefish species, which should be considered during the development of future management measures.
Author(s): James HW, Jones T, Stephenson F, Hollyman PR, Reid WDK, Collins MA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Fish Biology
Year: 2026
Pages: epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 10/02/2026
Acceptance date: 15/01/2026
Date deposited: 11/02/2026
ISSN (print): 0022-1112
ISSN (electronic): 1095-8649
Publisher: Wiley
URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70344
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.70344
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