Pacific scabbardfish
📖 Overview
Benthopelagic on the continental shelf and slope, up to a depth of 400 m or more; generally found over sandy bottoms at a depth between 100 and 250 m . During cold season, it is often seen near the surface at nights when the moon is full . May also be encountered in surge zones and sometimes observed to be beached in large numbers by the shore . A schooling species which feeds on cephalopods, euphausiids and small fishes, including Engraulis mordax and juvenile Merluccius productus. Marketed fresh and frozen . Excellent food fish, also processed into fish meal and oil .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 78 - 87; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 41 - 50; Vertebrae: 84 - 93. Upper head profile slightly convex, rising gently from snout to dorsal-fin origin. Orbits nearly touching dorsal profile; interorbital space slightly concave. Pelvic fins reduced to 1 scale-like spine and 1 - 2 tiny rays. Pyloric caeca 16 - 18. Color of body is black or brown with a silvery shine along the abdomen.: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific scabbardfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 100 - 500 m , usually 100 - 250 m . Deep-water; 46°N - 17°S, 128°W - 75°W
🌿 Ecology
cephalopods, euphausiids and small fishes, including Engraulis mordax and juvenile Merluccius produc
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | black scabbardfish · Fitch's scabbardfish · Pacific scabbardfish |
| 🇩🇪German | Degenfisch |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | pez cinto · Sable negro |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 43 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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