Fish Active at night

Frostfish

Lepidopus caudatus

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The Frostfish is a shimmering phantom of the deep, known for its mirror-like skin and mysterious winter appearances on coastal shores. A master of the midnight ambush, this ribbon-like predator is one of the ocean's most striking vertical hunters.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 1.2–2.1 m (4–7 ft); Weight: 3–8 kg (6.6–17.6 lbs)

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Colors

Brilliant mirror-like metallic silver; lacks scales; dorsal fin is often grey or black-edged

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Key Features

Extremely elongated, ribbon-like body shape
Large mouth with prominent, sharp needle-like teeth
Small but distinct forked tail fin
Scaleless, highly reflective skin that rubs off easily

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active at night

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Peak hours 9 PM - 4 AM

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Season June-August (Southern Hemisphere) or December-February (Northern Hemisphere)

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Diet Carnivorous predator that hunts small schooling fish (like sardines and hake), squid, and various crustaceans using its sharp fangs.

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Habitat Deep coastal waters and continental shelves, typically at depths between 100 and 600 metres.

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Where Does the Frostfish Live?

The Frostfish is a widespread marine species native to the temperate oceans of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is commonly found throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic from France to South Africa, as well as across the Indo-Pacific region around Australia and New Zealand. While they are primarily deep-sea inhabitants, they are most frequently encountered by people in coastal regions during the winter months when they move closer to shore.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

9 Countries

45M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

NZ New Zealand

Marginal

AU Australia

Marginal

ZA South Africa

Marginal

ES Spain

Marginal

PT Portugal

Marginal

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Frostfish are specialized benthopelagic predators that occupy the deep waters of the continental shelf. They are most famous for their 'runs' where they wash up on beaches during calm, freezing nights—a phenomenon that gave them their name. These strandings are thought to occur when the fish follow prey into shallow waters and become incapacitated by sudden drops in water temperature or disoriented by surface currents.

In their natural habitat, they often hover in a vertical position with their heads pointed toward the surface, waiting to ambush prey from below. They use their long, continuous dorsal fin to undulate through the water, a movement that allows for precise, stealthy positioning despite their lack of a powerful tail. While they are usually solitary, they can be found in high concentrations where food sources like hake or sardine schools are abundant.

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Camera Tips

To capture a Frostfish on camera, you will need a specialized underwater setup, as these are marine creatures. The most successful approach for backyard ocean-watchers is to mount a waterproof camera to a private pier, jetty, or a weighted subsea rig in coastal areas. Because Frostfish are sensitive to light and primarily active in total darkness, use a camera with high-quality infrared (IR) or 'no-glow' night vision to avoid scaring them away with harsh white light.

Baiting is almost essential for attracting this deep-water predator into your camera’s frame. Use a mesh 'chum bag' filled with oily fish like crushed sardines, mackerel, or squid. Secure the bag firmly to a stationary object near the camera lens; the scent trail will draw them in from the surrounding darkness. Frostfish are attracted to movement, so placing the bait in an area with a slight current will help disperse the scent and create the visual 'flicker' of prey that triggers their hunting instinct.

Timing is critical for this species. Aim for the coldest nights of the year during high tide, particularly when there is little to no wind. In places like New Zealand or Southern Australia, the 'frosty' nights of mid-winter are peak times for these fish to venture into shallower, accessible waters. Ensure your camera is set to record long video clips (30-60 seconds) rather than still photos, as their undulating swimming motion and reflective skin are much easier to identify in motion.

Lastly, be mindful of the 'snow' or backscatter often found in seawater. Position your lights or IR sensors slightly to the side of the lens rather than directly behind it. This reduces the reflection off small particles in the water, ensuring that the brilliant, mirror-like silver of the Frostfish remains the clear focus of your footage.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Frostfish.

Largehead Hairtail

The Hairtail lacks the small forked tail fin found on the Frostfish, and its body tapers to a thin, hair-like point.

Dealfish

Dealfish have a much higher dorsal fin and a more blunt, rounded head compared to the pointed snout of the Frostfish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frostfish are primarily nocturnal hunters. They stay in deeper, darker waters during the day and migrate toward the surface and coastal shelves at night to feed on small fish and squid.

To attract Frostfish, use a submerged camera with an oily bait bag containing sardines or squid. They are most likely to be seen near coastal piers or jetties on very cold, calm winter nights.

They are carnivorous predators that use their sharp teeth to catch small schooling fish like hake and sardines, as well as squid and various crustaceans.

They are only found in coastal suburban areas with access to deep temperate waters. They are famous for washing up on suburban beaches in New Zealand and Australia during winter 'frosts.'

While similar in shape, the Frostfish (Silver Scabbardfish) possesses a small, distinct tail fin, whereas many other species in the 'ribbonfish' or hairtail family have a tail that tapers to a fine point with no fin at all.

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