Blackfin poacher (Bathyagonus nigripinnis)

Scientific name: Bathyagonus nigripinnis Gilbert, 1890

The Blackfin poacher (Bathyagonus nigripinnis) is a marine fish of the family Agonidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 1–4°C (34–39°F).

Blackfin poacher care at a glance

Temperature: 1–4°C (34–39°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9. Caudal rounded; lower 4 or 5 rays of pectorals thicker but membrane reaching nearly to ends; pelvic fins reduced. Light brown on dorsal surface, dusky light brown on ventral surface; dark blue on ventral surface of head; all fins very dark.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Bathyagonus nigripinnis
Family: Agonidae (Poachers)
Order: Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 24.2
Common length: 20.0
Depth range: 18–1290 m (59–4232 ft)
Environment: Marine; demersal; depth range 18 - 1290 m, usually 400 - 700 m
Climate: Boreal
Distribution: North Pacific: Komandorski Island and Avachin Bay, Russia through the Aleutian chain to north of St. Mathew Island in the Bering Sea and Eureka, northern California, USA.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries:
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026