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Black cod (Anoplopoma fimbria) — Anoplopomatidae

Black cod

Anoplopoma fimbria

The Black cod (Anoplopoma fimbria) is a saltwater fish of the family Anoplopomatidae that grows up to 120 cm.

Length
120 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
175.0–2740.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Highly prized

Description

The sablefish or black cod is a deep-water fish of the family Anoplopomatidae from the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 120 cm and has an elongate, slate-grey to blackish body. Adults live on mud bottoms of the continental slope, from about 300 to over 2700 metres, while juveniles live pelagically near the surface. As a predator it feeds on fishes, squid and crustaceans. The sablefish lives to a great age (decades) and is a highly prized commercial fish with rich, flavourful flesh. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black cod?

The Black cod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Black cod live?

The Black cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Black cod get?

The Black cod grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.

Is the Black cod dangerous to humans?

No, the Black cod is harmless to humans.

Is the Black cod edible?

Yes, the Black cod is a highly prized food fish.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sabelvis sourced
English name
Black cod verified
Scientific name
Anoplopoma fimbria
Family
Anoplopomatidae
Other names
Black cod; Blue cod; Bluefish; Candlefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
120.0 verified
Average length (cm)
80.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
175.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2740.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
94.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Anoplopomatidae

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