Chinamanfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit coral reefs, from shallow water to depths of at least 50 m. They occur singly. They feed mainly on fishes. Frequently ciguatoxic in certain areas. Sold in Hong Kong live fish markets . It causes ciguatera poisoning in some areas. Banned for sale in Australia.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Chinamanfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 20 - 100 m . Tropical; 32°N - 26°S, 98°E - 170°E
🌿 Ecology
fishes
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Chinamanfish 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 | 19.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 135 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Chinamanfish 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 (lean white fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glabrilutjanus nematophorus | Bleeker | 1860 | Synonym |
| Lutianus nematophorus | Bleeker | 1860 | Synonym |
| Lutjanus nematophorus | Bleeker | 1860 | Synonym |
| Mesoprion nematophorus | Bleeker | 1860 | Synonym |
| Paradicichthys venenatus | Whitley | 1930 | Synonym |
| Symphorus forsteri | Fowler | 1933 | Synonym |
| Symphorus taenilatus | Günther | 1872 | Synonym |
| Symphorus taeniolatus | Günther | 1872 | Synonym |
| Symporichthys nematophorus | Bleeker | 1860 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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