Latin name

Lepidocybium flavobrunneum

Other names

Lepidocybium flavobrunneum

Identification

The body is moderately elongated, oval in shape, slightly compressed at the sides, the body height is 4.1-4.3 times the standard body length. The length of the head is 3.6-3.7 times the length of the body. The lower jaw is slightly protruding. There is a fleshy keel on each side of the tail peduncle, with a shorter keel above and below. There are 31 vertebrae. 

Features of fish fins

The first dorsal fin is very low with 8-9 barb rays. The second dorsal fin has 16-18 soft rays. The anal fin has 1-2 barb rays and 12-14 soft rays. The second dorsal and anal fins are followed by a row of 4-6 additional fins. The pelvic fins have one barbed and 5 soft rays. The caudal fin is bifid. 

Fish colouring

The body is almost uniformly dark brown, becoming almost black with age.

Distribution

Widespread in tropical and temperate waters of all oceans, but virtually absent from the northern Indian Ocean. Northwest Atlantic: Canada. East Atlantic: known from 13°N latitude from Guinea to Lobito, Angola.

Habitat

Marine benthopelagic oceanodromous deep-water species. They inhabit continental slopes at depths of 200 to 1000 m. 

Size

The maximum body length is 2 meters and the mass is 45 kg. Most common weight: 25-35 kg.

Behavior

They make daily vertical migrations, ascending to the upper layers of water at night. 

Food and feeding habits

They feed on squid, crustaceans and various fish species.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs in the form of 1.5-2 m long ribbons attached to plants. Males secrete seminal fluid - mammary fluid.

Fishing

Caught only as bycatch in tuna fisheries. There is no specific commercial fishery. 

Relationship with a person

It is characterized by high taste qualities. The meat is white, dense in texture and pleasant in taste.