Black Cod

Anoplopoma fimbria

 

The Black Cod (which is actually not a member of the Cod family, although it does look like a Cod), is also known as the Sablefish.

 

The Black Cod has significant commercial value, especially in Canada. Most of the catch is exported to Japan, where it is considered a delicacy. Black Cod range from the Baja of California to Japan and the Bering Sea. The Canadians began harvesting this species commercially in the 1960’s. Since that time, the Canadian government has several government organizations that closely manage the catch through quotas. At the time of this writing, each vessel is given a catch quota.

 

This is an extremely deep water fish. Juvenile fish stay in fairly shallow coastal water, but between the ages of 2 and 5, the fish head out to sea, and live along the continental shelf at depths greater than 4500 feet. One report noted Black Cod in 9000 feet of water.

 

Black Cod will grow as large as 3’, however, most that are harvested are about 2’, and weigh about 10#. They are caught mainly by the use of traps. This helps to catch a fish that is uniform in size, as well as, limits the amount of bi-catch. Since this fish lives at such great depths, it is of little significance to sports fishermen. Black Cod is high in omega 3 fatty acids, and low in PCB’s, dioxins and mercury. Black Cod is reported to be excellent when smoked.

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 Gary's Source:  California