Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese topeshark (Hemitriakis japanica) is a saltwater fish of the family Triakidae that grows up to 110 cm.
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Korea (North) and others
Description
The Japanese topeshark is a houndshark (Triakidae) from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 1.1 metres and has a slender, grey-brown, streamlined body with large oval eyes. As a bottom-oriented hunter it lives over sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and hunts small fish, crustaceans and squid. It bears live young. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese topeshark?
The Japanese topeshark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Japanese topeshark live?
The Japanese topeshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Korea (North) and others
How big does the Japanese topeshark get?
The Japanese topeshark grows to a maximum of about 110 cm.
Is the Japanese topeshark dangerous to humans?
No, the Japanese topeshark 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 Japanese topeshark edible?
Yes, the Japanese topeshark is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemitriakis
More from the family Triakidae
Want the complete picture on the Japanese topeshark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese topeshark is one of 12,519 species in the app.