Eggs & Juveniles
Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

Quick Facts

Availability: Currently in research & development stage
Pricing: Will be announced at time of commercialization
Ideal grow-out temperature (range): 10-11°C
Ideal salinity (range): 25-35 ppm
Key characteristics:

• Extremely valuable food fish
• Fast growth (~1.5 kg in one year from juvenile stage)
• Harvest before maturity
• Good feed conversions
• Can be grown in similar marine conditions to salmon

Product Description

Troutlodge Marine is currently in the research and development stages of establishing a sustainable production of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) eggs and juveniles. This work is on-going both at our facilities in Kona, Hawaii and along the shores of the Puget Sound near Seattle, Washington. Here, at NOAA's Manchester Research Station, we have successfully spawned numerous sablefish broodstock, producing millions of viable eggs which have been successfully hatched and reared to the larval stage. We are now researching the essential elements for optimal growth and survival in the larval stages. In addition, we are investigating best practices for transportation of sablefish juveniles, as we near the point of commercialization of juveniles for on-growing farms around the world.

Sablefish is a coldwater species typically found in the North Pacific Ocean off of the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. It is also known as black cod or butterfish. It is a fast-growing fish, prized in the high-end food markets for its pearly white flesh, large velvety flakes and sweet, rich flavor.

The growing conditions for sablefish are very similar to the ideal conditions for saltwater grow-out of salmon and other coldwater marine species. Through our research in Kona, where are able to rear the fish in any water temperature, we have found the ideal grow-out temperature to be ~10-11°C, with the tolerable range for optimal growth and survival being between 6-14°C. The ideal salinity range is between 25-35 ppm. We believe that these fish will offer a great opportunity for salmonid farmers to diversify their production and establish new, high-end markets for their products. This can all be done while not having to make significant capital outlays to change their existing farming infrastructure.

We invite you to contact us to learn more about our latest developments towards the commercialization of this species, and to find out how sablefish might be suitable for your production environment.