Sablefishes

Sablefishes are a group of marine fish belonging to the family Anoplopomatidae. There are currently three recognized species of sablefish: the Pacific sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), the California sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), and the Greenland sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Despite the common names, these are all the same species. These fish are found in the North Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands south to Baja California, Mexico. They inhabit deep waters, typically between 300 and 2,700 meters (1,000 to 9,000 feet), and are often found near the seafloor.

Pacific sablefish are elongated, dark-colored fish, with adults commonly reaching lengths of 70 to 100 centimeters (28 to 39 inches) and weighing between 5 and 15 kilograms (11 and 33 pounds). They have a distinctive large head and a wide mouth. Their diet consists mainly of other fish, squid, and crustaceans. Sablefish are commercially important, particularly in the North Pacific. They are valued for their rich, oily flesh, often referred to as "butterfish" due to its texture and flavor. The species is also known for its slow growth rate and long lifespan, with individuals potentially living for over 90 years. Management of sablefish fisheries is crucial due to their deep-sea habitat and slow reproductive rates.