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Sablefish

Sablefish (*Anoplopoma fimbria*) is a deep-sea fish in the North Pacific Ocean, commonly known as black cod.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sablefish (*Anoplopoma fimbria*) is a deep-sea fish in the North Pacific Ocean, commonly known as black cod. It is the only species in the genus *Anoplopoma* and one of two members of the family Anoplopomatidae. The species is commercially important, especially in Alaska and Japan.

Taxonomy and naming

Sablefish is scientifically named *Anoplopoma fimbria* and belongs to the family Anoplopomatidae. Its common market name is black cod, although it is not a true cod.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the northeastern Pacific, from northern Mexico to the Gulf of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea. Adults live mainly on muddy bottoms in deep water.

Biology

Sablefish are elongate, dark-coloured fish with a deepwater lifestyle. They are long-lived, can reach large sizes, and feed opportunistically on a range of fish and invertebrates.

Fisheries and human use

Sablefish support valuable commercial fisheries and are prized for their rich flesh. The species is also being studied as a candidate for commercial aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest.

Key facts

  • Sablefish is a deepwater marine fish native to the North Pacific Ocean.
  • It is commonly marketed as black cod, but it is not a cod.
  • The species is the only member of the genus *Anoplopoma*.
  • Adults live on muddy seafloors at depths generally below 300 m.
  • Sablefish are important to commercial fisheries in Alaska and Japan.
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Canadian context

Sablefish is relevant to Canada through its natural range in British Columbia waters and the northeastern Pacific, and it is part of Pacific Northwest fisheries that matter to Canadian readers.

Frequently asked questions

Is sablefish the same as black cod?
Yes. Black cod is a common market name for sablefish, but the species is not a true cod.
What is the scientific name of sablefish?
The scientific name is *Anoplopoma fimbria*.
Where do sablefish live?
They live in the North Pacific Ocean, usually on muddy deep-sea bottoms.
How deep do sablefish live?
Adults are typically found at depths of about 300 to 2,700 metres.
Why is sablefish important commercially?
It supports valuable fisheries, especially in Alaska, and is also prized in Japanese markets.
Can sablefish be farmed?
Researchers have studied sablefish as a possible aquaculture species, but U.S. commercial production has not yet been established.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sablefish
    Supports: Scientific name, taxonomy, general range, depth, and family/genus placement.
  2. Alaska Department of Fish and Game — https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=sablefish.main
    Supports: Species profile, common names, size, range along the eastern North Pacific.
  3. NOAA Fisheries — https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/sablefish
    Supports: Range, habitat, populations, fisheries, and aquaculture research.
  4. Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute — https://www.alaskaseafood.org/species/sablefish/
    Supports: Common name black cod, scientific name, and culinary importance.
  5. Marine Stewardship Council — https://fisheries.msc.org/en/fisheries/us-north-pacific-sablefish/
    Supports: Commercial fishery context, habitat, and market name black cod.