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Paraliparis antarcticus

Paraliparis antarcticus

Paraliparis antarcticus© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Paraliparis antarcticus is a small Antarctic snailfish reaching about 16.3 cm. It inhabits deep, cold marine waters and is occasionally caught by anglers targeting deep‑sea species, though it is not a primary sport fish.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Liparidae

Max Size

16.3 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

300-782m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Antarctic summer (December‑February) when sea ice retreats

Best Time

Any time, though dusk and night can improve bite on deep‑water species

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Paraliparis antarcticus

  • Use a light spinning setup with a sensitive tip to detect subtle bites.
  • Employ small jigs or live krill/shrimp as bait near the bottom.
  • Fish over steep drop‑offs or canyon edges where deep‑water fauna congregate.
  • Keep line tight and use a quick, steady retrieve to trigger a strike.

Top Fishing Locations for Paraliparis antarcticus

King George Island (South Shetland Islands)

Antarctica
expert3% Very Rare

Deep‑sea trawls off the western coast of King George Island near research stations; the continental shelf here hosts populations of Paraliparis antarcticus.

Best: December–February

McMurdo Sound (Ross Sea)

Antarctica
expert2% Very Rare

Trawl surveys from the Ross Sea near McMurdo Sound target the benthic zone where this snailfish is common during the austral summer.

Best: November–January

Cumberland Bay (South Georgia)

South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
intermediate5% Rare

Accessible via chartered vessels; the bay’s steep slopes and cold bottom waters are known habitats for Paraliparis antarcticus.

Best: December–January

Baie de la Dauphine (Kerguelen Islands)

French Southern Territories
expert4% Very Rare

Remote sub‑Antarctic archipelago where deep‑water research trips often encounter this species on the shelf edge.

Best: January–February

Lemaire Channel (Antarctic Peninsula)

Antarctica
expert3% Very Rare

Iconic fjord with steep, cold seabed; scientific expeditions sometimes conduct bottom trawls that catch Paraliparis antarcticus.

Best: December–January

Southern Ocean Deepwater Trawl (approx. 60°S 130°E)

International Waters
expert1% Very Rare

Targeted research trawls in the open Southern Ocean during the peak season; one of the most reliable ways to land this species.

Best: December–February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Paraliparis antarcticus

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeTiny soft‑plastic jigs or minnow‑style spoons (2‑3 cm)
TechniqueDeep‑water jigging near the bottom

Best bait: Small shrimp or krill