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Korean sandlance (Hypoptychus dybowskii) — Hypoptychidae

Korean sandlance

Hypoptychus dybowskii
Family: Hypoptychidae

The Korean sandlance (Hypoptychus dybowskii) is a saltwater fish of the family Hypoptychidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Russia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Korean sandlance is a slender, spineless sand-lance-like fish (Hypoptychidae) from cold coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a very elongate, silvery body. It swims in large schools in shallow coastal water and filters small zooplankton. It is an important prey fish for larger fish and seabirds. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Korean sandlance?

The Korean sandlance has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Korean sandlance live?

The Korean sandlance lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Japan, Russia

How big does the Korean sandlance get?

The Korean sandlance grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Korean sandlance dangerous to humans?

No, the Korean sandlance 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 Korean sandlance edible?

Yes, the Korean sandlance is commonly eaten.

More photos

Korean sandlance (Hypoptychus dybowskii) — Hypoptychidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Haplochromis (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Korean sandlance sourced
Scientific name
Hypoptychus dybowskii
Family
Hypoptychidae
Other names
Korean sandlance; Korean sandeel verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Russia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
1.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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
Fin

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