Black scabbardfishes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black scabbardfishes |
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| Aphanopus carbo | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Trichiuridae |
| Subfamily: | Aphanopodinae |
| Genus: | Aphanopus Lowe, 1839 |
| Type species | |
| Aphanopus carbo Lowe, 1839
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| Species | |
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Aphanopus, also known as black scabbardfishes, is a group of deep-sea fish that belong to the Cutlassfish family. These fish are known for their long, slender bodies and dark color, which helps them blend in with the dark ocean depths where they live. They are found in various parts of the world's oceans, often in very cold waters.
Contents
What are Black Scabbardfishes?
Black scabbardfishes are a type of fish that live far below the ocean's surface. They are part of a larger group called cutlassfishes, which are known for their ribbon-like bodies. The name Aphanopus comes from Greek words meaning "invisible foot," likely referring to their small or absent pelvic fins. These fish are important to ocean ecosystems and are also caught for food in some areas.
Different Kinds of Aphanopus
There are several different species, or types, of black scabbardfish. Each one has unique features, but they all share the general characteristics of the Aphanopus group. Here are some of the known species:
- Aphanopus arigato
- Aphanopus beckeri
- Aphanopus capricornis
- Aphanopus carbo (This is the most well-known type, often simply called the Black scabbardfish)
- Aphanopus intermedius (Also known as the Intermediate scabbardfish)
- Aphanopus microphthalmus (Called the Smalleye scabbardfish because of its small eyes)
- Aphanopus mikhailini (Known as Mikhailin's scabbardfish)
Where They Live
Black scabbardfishes live in the deep parts of the ocean. They are often found in waters that are very cold and dark, sometimes thousands of feet below the surface. They prefer areas near the seabed, where they hunt for smaller fish and squid. Their dark color helps them hide from predators and prey in the dim light of the deep sea.
What They Eat
These fish are predators. They use their sharp teeth to catch other marine animals. Their diet mainly consists of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans that live in the deep ocean. They are important parts of the food chain in their deep-sea habitats.
Fishing for Scabbardfish
In some parts of the world, like Madeira, the black scabbardfish (especially Aphanopus carbo) is a popular food fish. It is caught by special fishing boats that use long lines with many hooks to reach the deep waters where these fish live. The meat of the black scabbardfish is known for being tasty and is often served in local dishes.
See also
In Spanish: Aphanopus para niños
