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Anatomy and Morphology
N. neglecta vary in both size and weight. Sampled N. neglecta typically measure between 20 - 40 centimeters in length and typically weigh between 200 - 1600 grams. Notothenia neglecta has gut flora composed almost exclusively of the bacteria Vibrio, reflective of the ability of N. neglecta to tolerate high saline conditions and frequent ingestion of Antarctic krill, which is composed of high amounts of chitin. Vibrio in N. neglecta may also play a role in osmoregulation, via regulation of sodium ions.

Distribution and Habitat
Notothenia neglecta is an Antarctic fish species that typically lives at a depth of 50 meters, but has also been found living a depths from 0 - 450 meters. In the Antarctic, they have been found in Antarctic peninsula waters, South Georgia Island, and Peter Island. It is the dominant fish species in Potter Cove, King George Island, and the South Shetland Islands. N. neglecta display a wide and diverse diet. They are an omnivorous species, and feed on both benthic and pelagic species. Benthic N. neglecta most commonly feed on krill, but in the summertime, heavily prey on salps. N. neglecta has also been shown to feed on a variety of isopods, amphipods, algae, and bivalves.

Behavior
N. neglecta engage in unique behaviors that have allowed them to thrive in the harsh Antarctic climate. They typically feed at night, which may be attributed to avoidance of larger predators who tend to feed during the day, and also because many of the creatures they feed on are nocturnal. Aggressiveness in feeding has been linked to photoperiod, or availability of light throughout the day. They are less aggressive in their pursuit of prey during the day, but at night, the highest level of aggressiveness and pursuit are observed. N. neglecta has also demonstrated evidence of social hierarchy. Scientists have observed fish become less reactive to availability of prey in the presence of another member of their species. This suggests that these less reactive members may be the less dominant members of their groups. Once the other fish were removed from the environment, the original member would hunt prey as normal.