Moonfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits deeper coastal waters near the bottom on both the continental shelves and around major island groups; sometimes in river estuaries . Found in schools . Feeds on benthic invertebrates . Readily dries in air without salting . Caught in trawls and by beach seine, but mainly by trawling, often incidentally. Marketed fresh and dried . Minimum depth from Ref. 30573.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3 - 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 40 - 45; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 30 - 33. This species is distinguished by its very deep body, almost triangular, extremely compressed; sharp-edged breast; greatest body depth below lateral line at least 4 times greater than greatest body depth above lateral line; anal fin very long-based, commencing at point of insertion of pelvic fins, uniformly very low; dorsal spines (X in juveniles) reducing in number with increasing age. Colour of body with upper sides deep metallic blue, the rest silvery, a row of round to ovoid, dark slaty-blue spots above and below lateral line, sometimes a few additional spots above and below these rows; pelvic fins with a trace of blue, other fins hyaline or slightly dusky .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Moonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 50 - 200 m . Subtropical; 32°N - 30°S, 30°E - 169°E West Pacific: East Africa, as far south as Durban in South Africa, to southern Japan and northeastern Australia, east to New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
benthic invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Moonfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 205 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Moonfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Moonfish |
| 🇫🇷French | Luneur |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Ginkagami · ギンカガミ |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 皮刀 · 眼眶魚 · 眼鏡魚 |
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 25 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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