Pacific rudderfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pacific rudderfish |
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| The Japanese butterfish | |
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Trachinotus anomalus Temminck & Schlegel, 1844 |
The Pacific rudderfish (Psenopsis anomala) is a type of fish that lives in the ocean. It is also known by other names like Japanese butterfish, melon seed, or wart perch. In Japan, it is called ibodai.
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About the Pacific Rudderfish
This fish can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. It lives in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. You can find it near Japan, in the Taiwan Strait, and in the East China Sea.
Where They Live
The Japanese butterfish likes warm, tropical waters. It has even been found in the waters near Hong Kong. These fish usually live in the upper part of the ocean, down to about 370 meters (1,213 feet) deep. Adult fish mostly stay near the bottom during the day. But at night, they swim closer to the surface to find food.
What They Look Like
The Japanese butterfish has a body that is somewhat oval-shaped and flattened from side to side. Its color can be whitish or grayish. Younger fish are often darker, appearing pale brown or blackish-brown.
This fish has a strong snout and a fairly small mouth. Its upper jaw reaches just below the front of its eye. The teeth of the Japanese butterfish are small and pointed, like tiny cones. The spines on its top fin (dorsal fin) are short and are not separate from the softer part of the fin. The scales on its body are small and smooth. They can also fall off easily.
Importance to People
The Japanese butterfish is important for fishing. Fishermen in Japan and Taiwan catch it using large nets called trawls. In 1999, over 10,000 tons of this fish were caught. Most of this catch came from Taiwan and Japan.
As Food
The meat of the Japanese butterfish is very popular to eat in the areas where it lives. People say it is a very tasty fish. It can be cooked in different ways, such as steamed or pan-fried. It is also used to make sushi.
See Also
In Spanish: Pampano del Pacífico para niños
