Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese butterfish (Hyperoglyphe japonica) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrolophidae that grows up to 90 cm.
Northwest Pacific; continental shelf and slope, juveniles pelagic under floating seaweed.
Description
The Japanese butterfish is a fish of the medusafish family (Centrolophidae) from the north-western Pacific. The species grows to about 90 cm and has a robust, dark, oval body with a blunt head. Juveniles live pelagically and often shelter under floating weed and drifting objects; adults live deeper, demersally on the continental shelf and slope. As an omnivore it feeds on salps, jellyfishes, small fishes, squid and crustaceans. The Japanese butterfish is a valued commercial food fish with fatty, tasty flesh. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese butterfish?
The Japanese butterfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Juveniles shelter under drifting seaweed; oily, tasty commercial food fish.
Where does the Japanese butterfish live?
The Japanese butterfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northwest Pacific; continental shelf and slope, juveniles pelagic under floating seaweed.
How big does the Japanese butterfish get?
The Japanese butterfish grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.
Is the Japanese butterfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Japanese butterfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Japanese butterfish edible?
Yes, the Japanese butterfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Japanese butterfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese butterfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hyperoglyphe
More from the family Centrolophidae
Want the complete picture on the Japanese butterfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese butterfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.