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American sackfish (Neoepinnula americana) — Gempylidae

American sackfish

Neoepinnula americana
Family: Gempylidae

The American sackfish (Neoepinnula americana) is a saltwater fish of the family Gempylidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
184.0–457.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The American sackfish is a snake mackerel (Gempylidae) from deeper coastal and slope waters of the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, dark brown-black body with large eyes and a large mouth with a few sharp fangs. As a twilight-active predator it hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans in the deep water. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the American sackfish?

The American sackfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the American sackfish live?

The American sackfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the American sackfish get?

The American sackfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the American sackfish dangerous to humans?

No, the American sackfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Amerikaanse zakvis sourced
English name
American sackfish sourced
Scientific name
Neoepinnula americana
Family
Gempylidae
Other names
American sackfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
184.0 verified
Max depth (m)
457.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Gempylidae

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