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Red flathead (Bembras japonica) — Bembridae

Red flathead

Bembras japonica
Family: Bembridae

The Red flathead (Bembras japonica) is a saltwater fish of the family Bembridae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
80.0–230.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South)

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Description

The red flathead is a deepwater flathead (Bembridae) from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a flattened, rearward-tapering, red-brown body with a broad, flat head and eyes on top. As an ambush hunter it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms of deeper coastal waters and snaps at passing shrimp and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Red flathead?

The Red flathead has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Red flathead live?

The Red flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South)

How big does the Red flathead get?

The Red flathead grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Red flathead dangerous to humans?

No, the Red flathead 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Red flathead sourced
Scientific name
Bembras japonica
Family
Bembridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
80.0 verified
Max depth (m)
230.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South) sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

Same genus Bembras

More from the family Bembridae

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