Synagrops japonicus (Döderlein, 1883)
Blackmouth splitfin
Synagrops japonicus
photo by Reyes, R.B.

Family:  Synagropidae (Splitfin ocean-basses)
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 50 - 1000 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Hawaii.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 7-7; Vertebrae: 25-25. Body elongate, compressed, with large cycloid scales. Body uniformly blackish-brown in young, black dorsally, paler ventrally in adults. Distinguished by its anal fin element counts, lack of fin spine with serration on the anterior edge, and 3 to 6 large canine-like teeth on lateral side of the lower jaw.
Biology:  Found on the continental slope (Ref. 7300). Marketed fresh or made into fishmeal (Ref. 3288).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 June 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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