The large-scaled tapir, or Notacanthus chemnitzii, is a little-known species from the deep waters of Quebec. This fish, which prefers salty and brackish waters, is mainly observed in deep marine areas, far from the concerns of common sport fishing. Although it is not a typical target for sport fishermen due to its discreet nature and inaccessible habitat, it represents a subject of interest for ichthyologists and marine biology enthusiasts. Its distribution is mainly in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, including some areas off the coast of Quebec.

The large-scaled tapir has an elongated, serpent-like body covered with large, thick scales. Its color is generally gray-silver with metallic reflections, allowing it to camouflage itself in the dark depths of the ocean. Its mouth is small and oriented downward, adapted for sifting through sediments in search of food. The fins are reduced, with a dorsal fin extending over a large part of its back, and a long anal fin. The tail is tapered, allowing it to easily navigate the seabed. Young individuals resemble adults but are often paler. There is no marked sexual dimorphism, although females may be slightly larger during the spawning period.

In Quebec, the large-scaled tapir is primarily found in the deep waters of the North Atlantic. It can be encountered in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, particularly in areas where the bottom is muddy and rich in sediments. Although it is not abundant due to its specific habitat, its presence is mainly recorded through scientific research. It is absent from freshwater and shallow coastal areas, preferring depths where it finds optimal conditions for survival.

The large-scaled tapir inhabits deep waters, often several hundred meters below the surface. It prefers muddy bottoms where it can dig for food. The water temperature is generally cold, around 2 to 8 °C, which suits its metabolism well. It is often found near continental slopes, where ocean currents bring nutrients. Its search focuses on areas where the substrate is rich in organic matter, which is essential for its diet.

The reproduction of the large-scaled tapir occurs in the depths of the ocean, where females lay eggs that float until they hatch. The larvae live in the water column before descending to the bottom as they grow. Growth is slow, and it reaches sexual maturity between 3 and 5 years. Its longevity, from 10 to 15 years, allows it to adapt to the variable conditions of the depths. Spring: Spawning in deep waters → Summer: Growth of the young → Fall: Maturation → Winter: Adult life in depth.

The large-scaled tapir is generally a solitary fish, spending most of its time sifting through the seabed in search of food. It is not territorial, which can be explained by the relative abundance of resources in its habitat. Sensitive to light variations, it stays in the darkness of the depths, avoiding areas where light penetrates. Changes in pressure, caused by storms or ocean currents, may prompt it to move to different depths.

The diet of the large-scaled tapir mainly consists of small benthic invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. Young individuals feed on plankton before switching to a more varied diet as they grow. The diet varies little with the seasons, as benthic resources are available year-round in its deep habitat. It uses its small jaws to sift through the substrate and capture its prey.

The large-scaled tapir is not a seasonal target for sport fishing due to its deep habitat. However, research on this species continues throughout the year, often through scientific missions. The best time to observe it indirectly is in summer, when maritime conditions are more stable, allowing for sea expeditions. Variations in atmospheric pressure and temperature have little effect on its behavior in depth, but storms can make access to its habitat more difficult.

Since the large-scaled tapir is not a target of sport fishing, the choice of lures and colors is not relevant. However, for scientific study, luminous baits may be used to attract attention during observations with underwater cameras. Bright colors can help visualize the fish's behavior in the darkness of the depths.

For the large-scaled tapir, sport fishing gear is not applicable. Instead, scientific equipment such as underwater cameras and submersibles is essential for its study. This equipment must be capable of withstanding the pressure of great depths and be equipped with sensors to capture precise data about its environment.

Direct handling of the large-scaled tapir is rarely practiced due to its difficult-to-access habitat. When captured for scientific studies, it is important to minimize stress by keeping it in water as much as possible and releasing it quickly after observations. Photos should be taken in a controlled environment to avoid any damage.

In its natural environment, the large-scaled tapir has few predators, due to its deep habitat. However, it may fall prey to large predatory fish from the depths, such as certain sharks or large cod. Seabirds do not pose a direct threat, given its habitat far from the coasts.

The conservation status of the large-scaled tapir is of little concern, mainly due to its inaccessible habitat that protects it from the pressures of commercial fishing. There are no specific regulations for this species in Quebec, but preserving its habitat is essential for its survival. Catch-and-release is generally not a concern for this species.