Biology

The Black scabbardfish has an elongated, snake like body with a large snout with strong fang-like teeth. It can grow up to 151 cm maximum length and its color is coppery black with iridescent tint. It lives in depths between 200-2300 m but they migrate to shallow waters during night and feed on crustaceans, cephalopods and fishes. The Black scabbardfish lives mainly in the North Atlantic.

Stock situation

Even though an estimation of the stock is still lacking, the fishing pressure is considered as stable since 2002. However, more than 50% of the catches in the assessed area are young fishes, suggesting an unsustainable fishery. Additionally it often appears as by-catch in the trawl fishery.

Ecological effects

Commercial fishery on the Black scabbardfish occurs mainly along Portugal mainland, off the coast of Madeira, and more marginally around Azores and Canarias archipelagos using bottom longlines. Vulnerable deep-sea shark by catch is the major problem for the fishery. Habitat effects are supposedly low since fishery takes place mostly on rocky ground

Management

The Black scabbardfish is not addressed directly by any management plan, stock assessments are insufficient and reference points are not defined.