Latin name

Thamnaconus modestus

Other name

Thamnaconus modestus

Identification

The body of the Black Scraper is elongated, elliptical in shape and covered with many small rough scales. The head is high and the mouth is small. They have 2 rows of teeth, 6 sharp teeth in the outer row and 4 teeth in the inner row. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal fins 2: the first is shaped like a barb above the back of the eye; the second dorsal fin has 36-38 soft rays. The anal fin has 34-36 rays. The anterior third of both fins is very high. The barbs of both pelvic fins are fused. In juveniles, the fused barb on the abdomen is more visible than in adults. 

Fish colouring

Adult fish have a monotonous blackish colouration. Juveniles have 5 dark vertical stripes on their flanks. 

Distribution

Widespread in the temperate waters of the northwestern Pacific. 

Habitat

A marine, oceanodromous, tropical, reef-associated species. Depth range 50-110 m.

Size

The maximum length of this species is 37.4 cm, with a total length of 17.5 cm.

Behavior

Black Scrapers are found in shallow water among underwater rocks and vegetation. 

Food and feeding habits

Juveniles of these fish feed on drifting algae. Adults feed on benthic invertebrates.

Reproduction

During the pre-spawning period, these fish form aggregations in the water column. Spawning occurs in summer (June-July in the Sea of Japan). The eggs are pelagic. The hatched larvae are kept near the surface, usually near floating algae. As they grow, they sink to greater depths.

Fishing

Black scabbard is fished commercially in China.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. This species has been successfully used in aquaculture.