Schedophilus ovalis (Cuvier, 1833)
Imperial blackfish
Schedophilus ovalis
photo by Cambraia Duarte, P.M.N. (c)ImagDOP

Family:  Centrolophidae (Medusafishes)
Max. size:  100 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 70 - 700 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Spain and throughout most of the Mediterranean southward. Although reported to occur in South Africa (Ref. 4542, 6942), Smith 1995 (Ref. 11228) mentions that the species occurring in southern Africa is not Schedophilus ovalis but Schedophilus velaini. Western Central Atlantic: a small specimen recorded from Bermuda.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Prefers deep water at the edge of continental shelves and around oceanic islands; larger specimens near the bottom (Ref. 4542). Young are epipelagic and associate with floating jellyfish, including Physalia (Ref. 4542). Adults are caught on hooks baited with fish or squid. Its white flesh is reported to be good-tasting (Ref. 4542).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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