Latin name

Gymnocranius euanus

Other name

Japanese sea bream, paddletail bream, speckled emperor, iodine bream.

Identification

The Japanese Large Eye Bream has an elongated body that is about two and a half times as deep as its standard length. The head has a strongly sloped dorsal profile. The eye is set high on the head and is relatively large, although its diameter is slightly less than the length of the snout. The mouth is relatively small, with 2 or 3 pairs of small, thin, fang-like teeth in the front of each jaw, and most of the remaining teeth are bristle-like, but there are well-developed molar-like teeth on the sides of the jaws. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin is supported by 10 spines and 10 soft rays, while the anal fin contains 3 spines and 10 soft rays. The caudal fin is moderately forked with blunt ends. 

Fish colouring

The overall coloration is silvery-gray to bluish-gray, marked by small black spots scattered over the body along with pale pink fins.

Distribution

Occurs in the western Pacific Ocean, where its range extends from the eastern Gulf of Thailand to New Caledonia and Tonga, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia. In Australia, it is found from northwest of Culbarry, Western Australia, around the north coast to the Solitary Islands in New South Wales, the reefs of the Coral Sea, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. 

Habitat

A marine tropical species. Occurs at depths of 15 to 50 m (49 to 164 ft) on sand and gravel substrates near rocks and coral reefs in lagoons and on outer slopes.

Size

The maximum published total length of this species is 18 inches (45 cm), although 14 inches (35 cm) is more typical.

Behavior

Japanese large-eye bream are solitary, but gather in large numbers to spawn.

Food and feeding habits

The diet of Japanese large-eyed bream is dominated by small bottom-Gastropods. 

Reproduction

In Vanuatu, spawning of these fish has been recorded in April and August.

Fishing

Japanese large-eye bream are commercially fished in some areas with long lines and hand rods.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Sold fresh.