Intermediate scabbardfish
📖 Overview
Adults benthopelagic from 800 to 1,350 m, juveniles mesopelagic from 300 to 500 m . Up until recently, fisheries catch landings of A. carbo, a sympatric species in the waters of Canary and Madeira islands, were mixed with A. intemedius.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 39 - 44; Dorsal soft rays (total): 54 - 59; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 46 - 50; Vertebrae: 102 - 108. Pelvic fins represented by a single spine in juveniles inserted before the base of the pectoral fins but entirely absent in adults. Body is coppery black with iridescent tint. The inside of the mouth and gill cavities black.: eel-like; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Intermediate scabbardfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Displays determinate fecundity . Mature individuals undertake horizontal migration to spawning and nursery grounds .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 300 - 1408 m . Deep-water; 50°N - 35°S, 105°E - 14°E South America.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Intermediate scabbardfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 277 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Intermediate scabbardfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Black scabbard fish · Intermediate scabbardfish |
| 🌍CES | tkaničnice prostřední |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | tummahuotrakala |
| 🇫🇷French | Poisson sabre tachuo |
| 🌍GLG | Peixe sabre oceánico |
| 🌍LIT | tarpinė kalavija |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-espada preto |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Sable intermedio |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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