Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea - A Global Ecoregion
The most diverse and productive Antarctic marine ecosystem
Snapshot: Ecoregion 196
Size:
N/A
Habitat type:
Polar
Geographic Location:
Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea
Conservation Status:
Relatively Stable/Intact
Quiz Time!
Why is the "bloodless" fish so called?
Answer:
The "bloodless" fish that live in the Weddell Sea get their name because their blood lacks the red pigment hemoglobin and is therefore colourless. In most species, it is hemoglobin that enables red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. It is therefore a mystery how the blood of these "bloodless" fish can carry enough oxygen or why the fish can live only in water colder than 4oC.
About the Area
Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea make up the most diverse and productive Antarctic marine ecosystem. The Weddell Sea supports a rich marine ecosystem, where huge quantities of krill (tiny shrimp-like animals) provide food for diverse populations of fish and marine mammals. The Weddell Sea also supports thriving colonies of penguins that lay their eggs and raise their young on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Local SpeciesOver 200 species of fish from various groups are known to live in Antarctica, many of which are endemic. Most of these belong to the Notothenioidei suborder and include the families of Nototheniidae, Harpagiferidae, Artedidraconidae, Bathydraconidae, and Channichthyidae or the "bloodless fishes".
Other species include King penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), Emperor penguin (A. forsteri), Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii), Crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus), Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and Hourglass dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger).
Threats
Overfishing, global warming, the weakening of the ozone layer, and pollution pose the greatest threats to the region.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
