Blackmouth splitfin
📖 Overview
Blackmouth splitfin (Synagrops japonicus), first described by Döderlein, 1883 is a medium-sized fish in the family Synagropidae (order Acropomatiformes). Adults typically reach 35.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 50 to 1000 metres. It occurs in Deep-water waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Synagropidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 7; Vertebrae: 25. Body elongate, compressed, with large cycloid scales. Body uniformly blackish-brown in young, black dorsally, paler ventrally in adults. Distinguished by its anal fin element counts, lack of fin spine with serration on the anterior edge, and 3 to 6 large canine-like teeth on lateral side of the lower jaw.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackmouth splitfin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 50 - 1000 m , usually 100 - 800 m . Deep-water; 23°N - 36°S, 19°E - 154°W East Africa to Hawaii.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blackmouth splitfin 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 | 17.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 450 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blackmouth splitfin 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)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Blackmouth Bass · Blackmouth splitfin · Glowbelly · Glowbelly Seabass · Japanese Sharptooth Bass · Japanese splitfin · blackmouth cardinalfish · blackmouth false-cardinal |
| 🌍CES | kanicovka temnoústá · kanicovka černoústá |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | mustalyhtyahven |
| 🇫🇷French | Maconde bonche noire |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Sumikuiuo · クロスミクイウオ · スミクイウオ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-olhudo-dentinho · Perca-vagalume-elegante |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Японский синагропс |
| 🌍THA | ปลากะพงดำทะเลลึก |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 日本尖牙鱸 · 日本尖牙鱸(光棘尖牙鱸 · 深水大面側仔 · 深水天竺鯛 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanostoma japonicum | Döderlein | 1883 | Synonym |
| Synagrops natalensis | Gilchrist | 1922 | Synonym |
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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