Sablefish

Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), also known as black cod, is a deep-sea fish species native to the North Pacific Ocean. It is a highly valued food fish known for its rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture.

Description

The Sablefish is a species of deep-sea fish that can reach up to 90 cm in length and weigh up to 25 kg. It has a dark gray to black color, hence the name "black cod". Despite its name, it is not a member of the cod family, but rather belongs to the family Anoplopomatidae.

Habitat and Distribution

Sablefish are found in the North Pacific Ocean, ranging from northern Mexico to the Gulf of Alaska, westward to the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea, and further west to Kamchatka, Russia, and south to Japan. They inhabit deep waters, typically between 300 and 2,700 meters below the surface.

Diet

Sablefish are opportunistic feeders, preying on fish such as pollock, herring, and sardines, as well as invertebrates like squid, crab, and various species of zooplankton.

Commercial Value

Sablefish is a highly prized food fish. Its flesh is rich and oily, similar to salmon, and it is known for its delicate, buttery flavor. It is often smoked and sold as "smoked black cod". In Japan, it is known as Gindara and is a popular choice for sushi and sashimi.

Sustainability

Sablefish populations are managed by the NOAA in the United States and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada. Both agencies use quota systems to ensure sustainable harvest levels.

See also

• List of fish in the Pacific Ocean
• Commercial fishing