Abstract: A method of preparing carbon filaments which comprises exposing a suitable thermostable substrate which is covered with reduced monocrystalline metal particles with a diameter of at least 5 nanometers to a carbon containing gas mixture at temperatures of about 250.degree. up to about 700.degree. C. to 800.degree. C., for a period of time sufficient to form filaments of the desired length, and thereafter removing the substrate and/or the metal particles. The filaments are characterized by a crystalline graphitic structure and a morphology defined by a fishbone-like arrangement of the graphite layers along the axis of the filaments. A high carbide content is a prerequisite for the nucleation of the filamentous carbon with a fishbone like structure.