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Brocade perch (Ostichthys japonicus) — Holocentridae

Brocade perch

Ostichthys japonicus
Family: Holocentridae

The Brocade perch (Ostichthys japonicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
90.0–240.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Hong Kong, India and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The brocade perch is a nocturnal reef fish (Holocentridae) from the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a deep, bright red-pink body with large eyes and rough, stout scales. By day it shelters in crevices and caves of deeper rocky reefs; at night it forages for small crustaceans and small fish. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brocade perch?

The Brocade perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Brocade perch live?

The Brocade perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Hong Kong, India and others

How big does the Brocade perch get?

The Brocade perch grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Brocade perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Brocade perch is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Brocade perch edible?

Yes, the Brocade perch is commonly eaten.

More photos

Brocade perch (Ostichthys japonicus) — Holocentridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Ken Graham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brocade perch (Ostichthys japonicus) — Holocentridae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Cuvier (Public domain) [illustratie]
Brocade perch (Ostichthys japonicus) — Holocentridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) misakinokukuru, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brocade perch (Ostichthys japonicus) — Holocentridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Nico Vromant, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Brocade perch sourced
Scientific name
Ostichthys japonicus
Family
Holocentridae
Other names
Brocade perch; Deep-water squirrelfish; Giant squirrelfish; Golden perch; Japanese soldierfish; Japanese squirrelfish; Sea goldfish; Shen's soldierfish; Soldierfish; Squirrelfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
45.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
90.0 verified
Max depth (m)
240.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Hong Kong, India and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Ostichthys

More from the family Holocentridae

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