Sablefish
📖 Overview
Adults found on mud bottoms, from 305 to 2,740 m depth . Young-of-the-year juveniles are pelagic and found on the surface and near-shore waters . Generally localized, but some juveniles have been found to migrate over 2,000 miles in 6 or 7 years . Feed on crustaceans, worms and small fishes . Most of the catch is marketed in Japan . Utilized fresh, dried or salted and smoked , can be steamed, pan-fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked . The liver oil is rich in vitamin A and D . Reported to reach 57 kg in Ref. 2850.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 19 - 27; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 20; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15 - 19. Dorsal fins well separated; 2nd dorsal fin sub equal to anal fin in size and form, and opposite in position. Reaches over 1 m in SL.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sablefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 175 - 2740 m , usually 175 - 1450 m . Deep-water; 64°N - 23°N, 141°E - 109°W North Pacific: Bering Sea coasts of Kamchatka, Russia and Alaska southward to Hatsu Shima Island, southern Japan and Cedros Island, central Baja California, Mexico in the eastern Pacific.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans, worms and small fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anoplopoma merlangus | Ayres | 1859 | Synonym |
| Gadus fimbria | Pallas | 1814 | Synonym |
| Scombrocottus salmoneus | Peters | 1872 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 33 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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