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Skilfish (Erilepis zonifer) — Anoplopomatidae

Skilfish

Erilepis zonifer

The Skilfish (Erilepis zonifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Anoplopomatidae that grows up to 183 cm.

Length
183 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–680.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The skilfish is a large bottom fish (Anoplopomatidae) from cold deep waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 1.8 metres and has a sturdy, dark-grey body that in young fish is studded with white spots. As a predator it lives on rocky and soft bottoms of the continental slope, to hundreds of metres deep, and hunts fish, squid and crustaceans. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Skilfish?

The Skilfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Skilfish live?

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

How big does the Skilfish get?

The Skilfish grows to a maximum of about 183 cm.

Is the Skilfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Skilfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Skilfish edible?

Yes, the Skilfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Reuzen-skilvis sourced
English name
Skilfish sourced
Scientific name
Erilepis zonifer
Family
Anoplopomatidae
Other names
Skilfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
183.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
680.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
12.0 sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Anoplopomatidae

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