Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver scabbardfish (Lepidopus caudatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Trichiuridae that grows up to 210 cm.
Worldwide in temperate and subtropical seas, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, above the continental shelf and slope.
Description
The silver scabbardfish is a strikingly elongate marine fish of the family Trichiuridae reaching about 2 metres. The ribbon-like, strongly compressed body is mirror-bright silver and tapers backward into a thin tail with a small caudal fin; a single continuous dorsal fin runs along almost the entire back. The mouth is large and set with sharp, dagger-like teeth. The species lives over the continental shelf and slope in temperate and subtropical seas worldwide, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It makes a vertical migration and hunts mainly at night higher in the water column for fish, squid and crustaceans. Its firm white flesh makes it a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silver scabbardfish?
The Silver scabbardfish has a snake-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very elongated, ribbon-shaped and mirror-smooth silvery body with a continuous dorsal fin along the whole back and a mouth full of sharp teeth.
Where does the Silver scabbardfish live?
The Silver scabbardfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Worldwide in temperate and subtropical seas, including the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, above the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Silver scabbardfish get?
The Silver scabbardfish grows to a maximum of about 210 cm. On average the species is around 117 cm.
Is the Silver scabbardfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Silver scabbardfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Silver scabbardfish edible?
Yes, the Silver scabbardfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Silver scabbardfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lepidopus
More from the family Trichiuridae
Want the complete picture on the Silver scabbardfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver scabbardfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.