Toothfish Glycoprotein Adaptation

Antarctic Toothfish, scientifically known as Dissostichus mawsoni, live in extremely cold and icy waters where niche adaptations are necessary for their survival. While research is still uncovering some of the fascinating ways in which these fish live, scientists have unveiled incredible information about how the Antarctic Toothfish have adapted to their icy environments. 

One adaptation to their incredibly cold environment is the presence of glycoprotein in their blood, which acts as antifreeze. This glycoprotein is crucial for their survival, as Antarctic Toothfish live in water below freezing. 

Another unique adaptation of the Antarctic Toothfish is the increased presence of lipoproteins, or fat, surrounding their muscles in place of a swim bladder. This adaptation affects their natural buoyancy and allows them to move through various depths in the water, as swim bladders in other fish are what allow for this function. Lipids present within the muscles and liver of these fish may additionally serve as oxygen storage, enhancing their oxygen diffusion processes. Overall, this adaptation to the below-freezing waters in the form of distinctive lipoproteins maintains their buoyancy, energy, and metabolic functions. 

There is still however much to discover about the biological processes and life history of these remarkable fish in the Southern Ocean. To learn more about how our team specifically studies these fish, visit the "About Our Research" tab! 

Resources:
​https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S088875431100139X, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305049199000516 
Photo credits: Sunhild Wilhelms, Rob Robbins, Paul A. Cziko