Smalleye scabbardfish (Aphanopus microphthalmus)

Scientific name: Aphanopus microphthalmus Norman, 1939

The Smalleye scabbardfish (Aphanopus microphthalmus) is a marine fish of the family Trichiuridae.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 41 - 43; Dorsal soft rays (total): 53-55; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 43 - 46; Vertebrae: 99 - 102. Pelvic fins represented by a single spine in juveniles inserted before the base of the pectoral fins, but entirely absent in adults. Body color is coppery black with iridescent tint. The inside of the mouth and gill cavities black.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Aphanopus microphthalmus
Family: Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 100.0
Depth range: 810–1022 m (2657–3353 ft)
Environment: Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 810 - 1022 m
Climate: Deep-water
Distribution: Western Indian Ocean: in tropical areas. Western Central Pacific: Southeast Asia. References to a catch from Walvis Ridge in the southeastern Atlantic are based on a single specimen from the collection of Pakhorukov that requires confirmation.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Assuming tmax>10)

Sources

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

Last updated 27 September 2026