A medium deep-sea fish. Major commercial species.

Also called: Black Cod, Butterfish, Coalfish, Skil

Native status: Native to North Pacific

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 65–110 cm; record 120 cm
Weight3–18 kg; record 25 kg
LifespanWild 30–90 years; some 94+
OrderScorpaeniformes
FamilyAnoplopomatidae

§ Encyclopedia

The sablefish is one of two members of the fish family Anoplopomatidae and the only species in the genus Anoplopoma. In English, common names for it include sable (US), butterfish (US), black cod, blue cod (UK), bluefish (UK), candlefish (UK), coal cod (UK), snowfish, coalfish (Canada), beshow, and skil (Canada), although many of these names also refer to other, unrelated, species. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepts only "sablefish" as the acceptable market name in the United States; "black cod" is considered a vernacular (regional) name and should not be used as a statement of identity for this species. The sablefish is found in muddy sea beds in the North Pacific Ocean at depths of 300 to 2,700 m and is commercially important to Japan.

Source: Wikipedia — Sablefish Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Streamlined dark gray to nearly black fish; large eyes; two separate dorsal fins; rounded snout.

Similar species. Pacific Cod (different family; chunkier). Lingcod (different range, larger head).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Squid, small fish, crustaceans, jellyfish (in deeper water).

Behavior. Among the longest-lived US fish — verified individuals over 90 years. Lives in deep water (200–2,000 m) along Pacific coast. Slow-growing and late-maturing makes them vulnerable to overfishing; managed under strict quotas. Premium market value — wholesale prices among the highest of any US-caught fish. Often sold as "Black Cod" or "Butterfish" though not related to true cods or butterfish.

§ Range

North Pacific

§ Habitat

Deep ocean

§ Threats

Slow reproduction makes them vulnerable.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the sablefish (black cod) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Buy MSC-certified sablefish.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • North Pacific Fishery Management Council
  • Marine Stewardship Council
  • IUCN Red List 2014