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Channel scabbardfish (Evoxymetopon taeniatus) — Trichiuridae

Channel scabbardfish

Evoxymetopon taeniatus
Family: Trichiuridae

The Channel scabbardfish (Evoxymetopon taeniatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Trichiuridae that grows up to 200 cm.

Length
200 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–200.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The channel scabbardfish is a cutlassfish (Trichiuridae) from warm, deeper coastal waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. The species grows to about 2 metres and has a strongly elongate, ribbon-shaped, shiny silver body with a long, continuous dorsal fin and a mouth full of sharp teeth. As a predator it hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans on the continental margin. It is a local food fish. The fish is harmless to humans, though its teeth can cut.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Channel scabbardfish?

The Channel scabbardfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Channel scabbardfish live?

The Channel scabbardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Channel scabbardfish get?

The Channel scabbardfish grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 155 cm.

Is the Channel scabbardfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Channel scabbardfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Channel scabbardfish (Evoxymetopon taeniatus) — Trichiuridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) 張容嘉, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Channel scabbardfish (Evoxymetopon taeniatus) — Trichiuridae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Internet Archive Book Images (No restrictions)
Channel scabbardfish (Evoxymetopon taeniatus) — Trichiuridae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC (Public domain)
Channel scabbardfish (Evoxymetopon taeniatus) — Trichiuridae — 5
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
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All data

Identification

English name
Channel scabbardfish sourced
Scientific name
Evoxymetopon taeniatus
Family
Trichiuridae
Other names
Channel scabbardfish; Tyranfish; Tyrant fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
200.0 verified
Average length (cm)
155.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Trichiuridae

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