Anoplopomatinae

Anoplopomatinae is a subfamily of ray-finned fish in the order Scorpaeniformes. This subfamily contains only one genus, Anoplopoma, and two species: Anoplopoma fimbria and Anoplopoma abyssum. These fish are commonly known as sablefish or black cod.

Anoplopoma fimbria is found in the North Pacific Ocean, ranging from northern Japan and Russia to the Bering Sea and down the coast of North America to Baja California, Mexico. It is a demersal fish, inhabiting depths from near shore to over 2,500 meters. Anoplopoma abyssum has a more southerly distribution in the Pacific, from the Galapagos Islands to southern California. It is also a deep-water species.

Sablefish are characterized by their elongated bodies, dark coloration, and two dorsal fins. They are commercially important food fish, prized for their rich, oily flesh. They are caught using trawls, longlines, and traps. Despite their common name, sablefish are not true cod. Their biology and ecology are subjects of ongoing research to ensure sustainable fisheries management.