Common name: Black Scabbardfish.
Scientific name: Aphanopus carbo Lowe, 1839
Family: Trichiuridae
Distribution and Habitat: Benthopelagic that inhabits deep waters between 180 and 1600 m.
Description: Its body shape is elongated and very compressed, ending in an extremely thin tail peduncle. Along its sides, the lateral line is clearly visible. It does not have scales and its eyes are very big. The mouth is equally big and the jaws are equipped with large, flat and sharp teeth. Its colouration is black and it reaches approx. 1,20 m in length and 2 Kg in weight.
Conservation statute and Threats: Not evaluated.
Observations: Species with great economic relevance in the Madeira Archipelago. The fishing centre of the black scabbardfish is Câmara de Lobos, where fishermen use a type of boat characteristic of Madeira, the Xavelha. Caught with drift lines. Its flesh is white, its flavour, very pleasant, although not very distinct, and it may be used in an infinite variety of dishes.