Latin name

Uranoscopus japonicus

Other name

Uranoscopus asper

Identification

Uranoscopus japonicus has a huge round head, a small body covered with star-shaped spines, a tail that resembles a brush, and fins that look like either arms or legs. They have 26 vertebrae. The lower edge of the preopercle has 3 spines, very rarely more. The posterior nostril is slit-like. The cervical region of the spine has a venom gland. There are 40–64 transverse rows of scales, usually more than 50.

Features of fish fins

Hard rays of the dorsal fin: 4–6 (equipped with venom glands), soft rays: 13–14. The anal fin has 13–15 rays. The lip fins are simple and poorly developed. The posterior margin of the pectoral fin is slightly concave.

Fish coloring

The coloration when alive is greenish-brown, sometimes with a reddish tint on the upper part of the head and body, with pink or yellowish (white in alcohol) irregular spots larger than the pupil, and often with eye-like spots. The lower part of the body is whitish. The spiny dorsal fin has a black spot; the soft dorsal fin has longitudinal stripes. The caudal and pectoral fins are dark or yellowish.

Distribution

The species is distributed in the western Pacific Ocean: from southern Japan to the South China Sea, excluding the Ryukyu Islands.

Habitat

A marine bathydemersal deep-water species. It inhabits depths of 250 to 300 meters (820–984 feet) on sandy and muddy bottoms.

Size

The body length of these fish reaches up to 18 cm (7 inches).

Behavior

They spend most of their time buried in mud or sand, with only their eyes and part of their mouth protruding.

Food and feeding habits

Benthic predatory fish that feed on small animals. Their diet includes crabs, mollusks, and worms.

Reproduction

The reproduction of this species is insufficiently studied. In general terms, the family Uranoscopidae is characterized by external spawning. Adults form temporary aggregations and release eggs and sperm into the water column. Parental care has not been documented and is likely absent or minimal.

Fishing

This fish species is not a target of commercial fishing.

Relationship with a person

It is not an edible fish. It is dangerous due to its venomous nature.