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Careproctus steini

Careproctus steini

Careproctus steiniAI-generated illustration

Careproctus steini, known as Stein’s snailfish, is a small deep‑sea Liparidae found in cold, offshore waters of the Southern Ocean. It grows only to about 8 cm (3 in) and is rarely targeted by anglers, but can be caught incidentally on deep‑water jigging or light‑tackle bottom rigs.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Liparidae

Max Size

8 cm (3 inches)

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

429-583m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Southern summer (December‑February) when research vessels and deep‑water charter trips are most common

Best Time

Dawn or dusk, when low‑light conditions encourage vertical movement

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Careproctus steini

  • Use a light 4‑6 lb test line with a 1‑2 m ultralight rod to feel subtle bites.
  • Rig a small jig (3‑5 cm) or a tiny soft‑plastic minnow tipped with a few frozen amphipods.
  • Drop the rig to the bottom and slowly reel in, allowing the lure to hover a few metres off the substrate.
  • Keep the drag low (2‑3 lb) as the fish’s fight is gentle; a quick, steady lift often triggers a hook‑set.

Top Fishing Locations for Careproctus steini

expert22% Uncommon

Deep, cold waters of the Ross Sea host abundant populations of Careproctus steini, especially near the continental shelf break.

Best: December-February

Kerguelen Islands – South Atlantic Shelf

France (Kerguelen Islands)
expert18% Uncommon

Sub‑antarctic shelf edges around the Kerguelen archipelago are known hotspots for deep‑sea snailfish.

Best: January-March

South Georgia – North Coast Drop‑off

United Kingdom (South Georgia)
expert15% Uncommon

Steep drop‑offs off the north coast provide suitable habitat for Careproctus steini during the austral summer.

Best: December-February

Patagonian Shelf – Puerto Deseado

Argentina
intermediate12% Rare

Deep trawling grounds off Puerto Deseado have yielded regular catches of Careproctus steini.

Best: November-March

Chatham Rise – East of New Zealand

New Zealand
intermediate14% Rare

The Chatham Rise’s deep benthic habitats are a reliable source for the species when targeting with bottom longlines.

Best: December-February

Bering Sea – Aleutian Deep Canyon

USA
expert8% Rare

Although at the edge of its range, the deep canyons of the Aleutians see occasional Careproctus steini catches during winter surveys.

Best: January-March

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Careproctus steini

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, 1.8‑2.1 m, fast action
Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeTiny jig or soft‑plastic minnow, 3‑5 cm
TechniqueBottom jigging with slow lift‑and‑drop

Best bait: Frozen amphipods or small shrimp pieces