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Blackmouth splitfin (Synagrops japonicus) — Acropomatidae

Blackmouth splitfin

Synagrops japonicus
Family: Acropomatidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackmouth splitfin (Synagrops japonicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acropomatidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
50.0–1000.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-West Pacific; near the bottom on the continental slope.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The blackmouth splitfin is a deepwater bass (Acropomatidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, silvery body with large eyes and a dark-coloured mouth cavity. It lives near the bottom on the continental slope in deeper water. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and squids. It is marketed fresh or made into fishmeal. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackmouth splitfin?

The Blackmouth splitfin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large eyes and a dark mouth cavity; deepwater bass of the continental slope.

Where does the Blackmouth splitfin live?

The Blackmouth splitfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Indo-West Pacific; near the bottom on the continental slope.

How big does the Blackmouth splitfin get?

The Blackmouth splitfin grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Blackmouth splitfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackmouth splitfin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackmouth splitfin edible?

Yes, the Blackmouth splitfin is commonly eaten.

More photos

Blackmouth splitfin (Synagrops japonicus) — Acropomatidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Ken Graham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Blackmouth splitfin verified
Scientific name
Synagrops japonicus
Family
Acropomatidae
Other names
Glowbelly; Glowbelly seabass; Japanese splitfin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
50.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1000.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-West Pacific; near the bottom on the continental slope. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and squid sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Large eyes and a dark mouth cavity; deepwater bass of the continental slope. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Synagrops

More from the family Acropomatidae

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