Longbeard plunderfish
Pogonophryne mentella
© FishBase (CC BY-NC)The Longbeard plunderfish (Pogonophryne mentella) is a small, deep‑sea Antarctic fish known for its distinctive elongated chin barbels. It inhabits cold, offshore waters and is rarely targeted by anglers, making it a curiosity for scientific and extreme‑sport fisheries.
Basic Information
Family
Artedidraconidae
Max Size
27.5 cm
Habitat
marine
Depth Range
430-540m
Climate
deep-water
Best Season
December‑February (Southern Hemisphere summer)
Best Time
Daylight hours, especially when using surface lights
Distribution
No distribution map available
Fishing Tips for Longbeard plunderfish
- Use a heavy‑action deep‑sea rod with a strong reel capable of 100 lb line
- Deploy a downrigger or weighted line to reach 200‑800 m depths
- Bait with small frozen krill or cut‑up lanternfish and employ a slow jigging motion
- Fish during the austral summer when sea ice recedes and water clarity improves
Top Fishing Locations for Longbeard plunderfish
Cumberland Bay, South Georgia
South Georgia & South Sandwich IslandsDeep, cold waters around the continental shelf where Longbeard plunderfish congregate during the austral summer, popular with scientific and sport expeditions.
Best: December–February
Baie de la Dauphine, Kerguelen Islands
French Southern and Antarctic LandsSub‑Antarctic island fjords with steep slopes that concentrate the species during peak feeding periods.
Best: November–January
Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea
Antarctica (International Waters)Protected bay with abundant krill, attracting Longbeard plunderfish in large numbers during the early summer melt.
Best: January–March
Davis Station Area, Mawson Coast
Australia (Antarctic Territory)Ice‑free coastal waters near the research station where the fish are known to feed under the sea‑ice edge.
Best: December–February
Laurie Island, South Orkney Islands
United Kingdom (British Overseas Territory)Sheltered bays with steep drop‑offs that serve as seasonal gathering points for the species.
Best: December–January
Puerto Deseado, Argentina (Patagonian Shelf)
ArgentinaAccessible offshore sites on the Patagonian Shelf where occasional aggregations of Longbeard plunderfish are reported during the austral spring.
Best: November–March
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Longbeard plunderfish
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Live/frozen krill or small pelagic fish