Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese whiptail (Pentapodus nagasakiensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Nemipteridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is. and others
Description
The Japanese whiptail is a whiptail bream (Nemipteridae) from shallow sandy and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with blue and yellow longitudinal lines and often an extended upper tail-fin tip. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims above sand and rubble near reef and picks small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese whiptail?
The Japanese whiptail has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.
Where does the Japanese whiptail live?
The Japanese whiptail lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is. and others
How big does the Japanese whiptail get?
The Japanese whiptail grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Japanese whiptail dangerous to humans?
No, the Japanese whiptail 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 whiptail edible?
The Japanese whiptail is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pentapodus
More from the family Nemipteridae
Want the complete picture on the Japanese whiptail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese whiptail is one of 12,519 species in the app.