Inter-annual variation in condition index of the mackerel icefish Champsocephalus gunnari

Mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) are widespread on the South Georgia (54 degS, 36 deg W) shelf. Analysis of results on condition index indicated a strong inter-annual variation. High condition indices, indicative of good feeding conditions, were present when krill were abundant in the region. Years when krill were scarce and condition index was consequently low, were consistent with years when indices from land-based krill predators also indicated krill were scarce.