Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese lates (Lates japonicus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Latidae that grows up to 130 cm.
Endemic to a small part of Japan; estuaries and coastal waters, juveniles in rivers.
Description
The Japanese lates or akame is a large perch-like fish of the family Latidae, endemic to a small part of Japan. The species grows to about 1.3 metres and has a robust, silvery body with conspicuously red-reflecting eyes, hence the Japanese name 'akame' (red eye). As a euryhaline species it lives in estuaries and coastal waters; juveniles ascend rivers. As an apex predator it hunts fishes and crustaceans. The species is commercially cultured in Japan, but wild populations are limited; owing to a small range it is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is a prized sport fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese lates?
The Japanese lates has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Red-reflecting eyes ('akame'); vulnerable (VU) top predator farmed in Japan with a small wild range.
Where does the Japanese lates live?
The Japanese lates lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to a small part of Japan; estuaries and coastal waters, juveniles in rivers.
How big does the Japanese lates get?
The Japanese lates grows to a maximum of about 130 cm.
Is the Japanese lates dangerous to humans?
No, the Japanese lates is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Japanese lates edible?
Yes, the Japanese lates is commonly eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Lates
More from the family Latidae
Want the complete picture on the Japanese lates?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese lates is one of 12,519 species in the app.