Black Scabbard Fish

The Black Scabbard Fish (Aphanopus carbo) is a fish that inhabits the Atlantic Ocean at depths ranging between 200 and 1.700 meters. In Madeira, one of the main sites dedicated to the capture of this species is Câmara de Lobos. Some specimens can reach 145 cm in length and live up to 32 years. The intensive fishing of black scabbard fish dates back to the nineteenth century, although there are earlier references to the capture of Black Scabbard on the island. Its importance on Madeira’s economy is quite significant, seeing that it represents more than 50% of all regional catch. The fishing of such species is carried out using a tool called ‘horizontal longline’. Greenpeace has confirmed that Black Scabbard has a vulnerability index of 49/1000 (moderate/ high). Estimated time of doubling its population takes between 5 and 14 years.