Black-fish

Black-fish (Centrolophus pompilus), a bony fish of the family Stromateidae, in the division with spinous rays (Acanthopterygii). It is nearly allied to the beautiful Coryphaenæ (q.v.), so frequently called dolphins. Though found in the Mediterranean, on the western coasts of Europe, and occasionally on the southern coasts of Britain, it is everywhere rare, perhaps because it is an inhabitant chiefly of deep waters. It is known to attain a length of more than 30 inches, and a weight of 14 lb. The general form is not unlike that of a perch; there is a single elongated dorsal fin with short rays; the dentition is very feeble; the body is covered with minute scales; the skin is tough and can be stripped off like that of an eel; there is no air-bladder. The colour is black, that of the fins intensely so. It is remarkable for great strength and velocity, and as an article of food is described as delicious. Another British species (C. britannicus) is also recorded, and the genus Stromateus is closely allied. The name is locally given to various species of fish, and even to small whales and dolphins.