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Pacific rudderfish (Psenopsis anomala) — Centrolophidae

Pacific rudderfish

Psenopsis anomala
LC · Least Concern

The Pacific rudderfish (Psenopsis anomala) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrolophidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–370.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Pacific rudderfish is a pelagic fish from the northwest Pacific, along Japan, Korea and China. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, oval, silver-grey body with soft, easily shed scales and a dark shoulder spot. It forms schools in coastal and shelf water and feeds on small zooplankton, jellyfish and small invertebrates. It is a valued food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacific rudderfish?

The Pacific rudderfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Pacific rudderfish live?

The Pacific rudderfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pacific rudderfish get?

The Pacific rudderfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Pacific rudderfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacific rudderfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Pacific rudderfish edible?

Yes, the Pacific rudderfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Japanse botervis verified
English name
Pacific rudderfish verified
Scientific name
Psenopsis anomala
Family
Centrolophidae
Other names
Japanese butterfish; Melon seed; Pacific rudderfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
370.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Psenopsis

More from the family Centrolophidae

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