Latin name

Nemipterus japonicus

Other name

Nemipterus japonicus

Identification

Japanese threadfin bream are characterized by the following features: the lower edge of the eye is above the line from the tip of the snout to the upper base of the pectoral fins; a line drawn from the posterior edge of the suborbital fins reaches the dorsal profile 2-4 rows of scales to the beginning of the dorsal fin; the anterior of the upper jaw has 4 or 5 pairs of fangs. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin is supported by 10 spines and 9 soft rays, while the anal fin contains 3 spines and 7 soft rays. The pectoral fins are very long and extend beyond the anal fin, while the pelvic fins are of medium length and extend to or just beyond the anus. The caudal fin is moderately deeply bifurcated, with the upper lobe slightly longer than the lower lobe and extending into an elongated filament.

Fish colouring

The coloration of the upper body is pinkish, fading to silver on the flanks and belly. The top of the head to the back of the eye is golden, and 11 or 12 pale yellow horizontal stripes run from the back of the head to the caudal peduncle. There is a distinct reddish-yellow patch below the anterior end of the lateral line. The dorsal fin is whitish, with a yellow edge that has a red border and a pale yellow stripe at the base. The anal fin is whitish with yellow lines or dashes. The pectoral fins are almost transparent and pinkish, while the pelvic fins are whitish with yellow axillary scales. The caudal fin is pink with a yellow upper portion and filaments.

Distribution

Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Its range extends from the Red Sea south to Tanzania, the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman east to the Philippines, north to Japan, and south to Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Reports of this species as a Lessepsian migrant in the Mediterranean are now thought to be N. randalli. 

Habitat

It is a common bottom-dwelling species found in coastal waters at depths of 5 to 80 m (16 to 262 ft) on muddy and sandy substrates.

Size

The maximum published total length of this fish is 34 cm (13 inches), although a length of 25 cm (9.8 inches) is more typical. Maximum reported weight: 596.00 grams. The body of the Japanese threadfin bream has a standard length that is 2.7 to 3.5 times its depth, and the snout is equal to or greater than the diameter of the eye. Maximum reported age: 8 years.

Behavior

Japanese Threadfin Bream are very common in coastal waters and live on muddy or sandy bottoms, usually in schools. 

Food and feeding habits

They feed on fish, crustaceans, mollusks (mostly cephalopods), polychaetes and echinoderms. 

Reproduction

It is a short-lived species that grows rapidly and reaches sexual maturity at about one year of age. Females predominate in small sizes and males in larger sizes due to the faster growth rate of males.

Fishing

This species is an important commercial and artisanal fishery throughout its range. It is caught by trawls and gillnets. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless. It is eaten as an ingredient in crab sticks. Off the coast of Pakistan, smaller specimens are ground into fish meal.