The early life history and the onset of scale formation in the Patagonian toothfish, Dissostichus eleginoides Smitt, 1898

Patagonian toothfish, Dissostichus eleginoides, spawn in July to September. Hatching is likely to occur in October/November. Scales do not start to form before the fish are 64-74 mm long. It is far from being resolved when the first 'winter ring' is formed. Available information suggests that the annulus may not be completed before spring. Length composition of fish <40 cm exhibited distinct modes. These modes have been tentatively attributed to age classes. This suggests that D. eleginoides grow 7-11 cm annually.