Pacific jellynose fish

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Pacific jellynose fish

The Pacific jellynose fish (Ateleopus japonicus) is a species of jellynose fish in the family Ateleopodidae. It can grow up to 95 cm long, but most are around 35 cm. There is only one other species in its genus.

Diet and safety: It feeds on prawns and is harmless to humans.

Habitat: This fish lives on the sea floor (benthic) at depths of about 140 to 600 meters. It may move up to 100 meters deep at night in areas of the Indo-Pacific, including China, Japan, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Conservation and status: It is a rare fish, but its population appears stable. It may be caught as bycatch in fisheries. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.

Taxonomy: Binomial name Ateleopus japonicus. Classification: Kingdom Animalia; Phylum Chordata; Class Actinopterygii; Order Ateleopodiformes; Family Ateleopodidae; Genus Ateleopus; Species A. japonicus. Described by Bleeker in 1853.