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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

Japanese armorhead

Pentaceros japonicus Steindachner, 1883
Max Length
25 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
100–830 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Japanese armorhead (Pentaceros japonicus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Pentacerotidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 25 cm. It occurs at depths between 100 and 830 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.

Scientific Name
Pentaceros japonicus
Authority
Steindachner, 1883
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
25 cm
Depth Range
100–830 m
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Japanese armorhead is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Japanese armorhead is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Japanese armorhead is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Japanese armorhead is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 100 - 830 m . Subtropical

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
Trophic Level
3.4±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01995 × L3.01 (TL)
Max TL
25cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2009

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
36.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Steindachner, 1883

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Japanese armorhead is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Japanese armorhead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Japanese armorhead has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
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View all observations for Japanese armorhead ↗
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