Fish name.

[Cranfield]

I am struggling to remember the name of a fish species.

 

It lives in very, very deep water in the Atlantic Ocean.

It is longish ( ling shaped ), very dark colored, with a disproportionate head and lots of teeth.

You can see it in the fresh fish shops in Northern Spain.

 

Any ideas ?

 

I,ve "trawled " through a few sea fish sites on Google Image, without any luck.

They just seem to have the "fish and chips" fish on them.

[argyll]

Sounds like a scabbardfish.

[Cranfield]

Thanks argyll, I must try to find a picture of one and compare.

[Vagabond]

Yes, I would agree with argyll.

 

There are two scabbard fish (Trichiuridea) that turn up in Spanish fishmongers frequently - Silver Scabbard-fish (Lepidotus caudatus) and Espada, or Black Scabbard-fish (Aphanopus carbo) Similar shapes, different colours.

 

Both are very good eating. Espada are caught commercially by long lining just off the continental slope - Silver Scabbards come from shallower water - continental shelf and upper slope.

 

[ 16. October 2003, 10:22 PM: Message edited by: Vagabond ]

[Socksy Squirrel]

This is definitely the black scabbard fish. One of the Jersey fishmongers imports it for the Madeiran population in the island. Probably the most effective looking set of teeth I have ever seen on a fish. Take a look at http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSum...eciesname=carbo

[Guest sslatter]

Socksy Squirrel:

This is definitely the black scabbard fish. One of the Jersey fishmongers imports it for the Madeiran population in the island. Probably the most effective looking set of teeth I have ever seen on a fish. Take a look at  http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSum...eciesname=carbo

Looks a bit like an aussie Hairtail, which also has seriously scary teeth. Saw an aussie angling programme once with a twenty-something presenter who was catching 'em. Never seen anyone so wary of handling a fish as he was, but when I saw a close-up of the hairtail, I realised why. One of them nearly took his arm off as he swung it in. It struck at him like a snake in mid-air and just missed. It still ended up on the bar-b though.

[Socksy Squirrel]

Probably it's cousin. Scabbard fish seem to live in most of the deep oceans. Try a search on http://www.fishbase.org. Long, thin, big head, mouth filled with enormous teeth. Luckily there does not seem to be much chance of catching one by accident.

[Cranfield]

Thanks Chaps, its definitely the scabbardfish.

Special thanks to Jan from the European Anglers Alliance, he lead me to a picture as well .