Sablefish

Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)—also known as black cod (though it is not a member of the cod family), butterfish, and gindara in Japan—is a richly-flavored fish with a high oil content and a buttery texture. It inhabits shelf and deep-sea waters (up to 5,000 feet/1,524 m) from central Baja California to Japan and the Bering Sea. Sablefish are extremely long-lived, some reaching over ninety years of age. For this species, life begins with winter spawning along the continental shelf at depths greater than 3,300 feet (1,006 m). It is a favorite sport fish in Alaska. It averages 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 kg to 4.5 kg) but can grow up to 40 pounds (18 kg).