What are facts about the cod icefish?

- Habitat: Cod icefish are known as "the world’s southernmost fish,” inhabiting the icy depths surrounding Antarctica.

- Cold Adaptation: They hold the record for the lowest blood temperatures of any fish species, with temperatures hovering around -1.9 degrees Celsius (28.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This unique trait allows them to survive and thrive in freezing waters.

- Glycoprotein Antifreeze: Cod icefish produce special glycoproteins that act as natural antifreeze. These proteins prevent ice crystals from forming within their bodies, effectively halting the crystallization of their bodily fluids.

- Slow Metabolism: In order to conserve energy in the chilly environment, cod icefish have an incredibly slow metabolism. Their metabolic rates are just about 20% of that observed in other fish of similar size.

- Diet: Predominantly carnivorous, cod icefish primarily feed on other small fish, krill, and squid.

- Size: Generally small in size, they typically range from 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) in length.

- Reproductive Behavior: Cod icefish exhibit fascinating reproductive behavior. Males construct underwater nests made from rocks and pebbles to attract females and to shelter them during the breeding season.

- Conservation Status: Classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to their widespread distribution and relatively low levels of exploitation.