Fin's Fish Guide
The Pemarco blackfish (Schedophilus pemarco) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrolophidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in open water above the deeper continental shelf and the slope.
Description
The Pemarco blackfish is a dark, oval open-water fish of the family Centrolophidae (medusafishes) reaching about 50 cm. The sturdy, brown-grey body has a blunt head and a continuous dorsal fin. Like other medusafishes, young fish live in open water near drifting jellyfish, salps and weeds, where they find shelter and feed on plankton and the jellyfish themselves; adults move to deeper water above the continental shelf and slope along the West African coast. There it eats jellyfish, salps, zooplankton and small fish. Because of its open- and deeper-water lifestyle it is seen only irregularly and has little targeted fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pemarco blackfish?
The Pemarco blackfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark, oval open-water fish; young animals live among drifting jellyfish and seaweeds, adult fish in deeper water.
Where does the Pemarco blackfish live?
The Pemarco blackfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in open water above the deeper continental shelf and the slope.
How big does the Pemarco blackfish get?
The Pemarco blackfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Pemarco blackfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pemarco blackfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pemarco blackfish edible?
The Pemarco blackfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Schedophilus
More from the family Centrolophidae
Want the complete picture on the Pemarco blackfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pemarco blackfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.