Japanese Rubyfish

The Japanese rubyfish has an oblong body that has a depth of one-fifth to one-third of its standard length and which is less than the length of the head. The dorsal fin is incised to its base immediately before the last dorsal fin spine. The first dorsal fin contains 10 spines with the second dorsal fin having a single spine and between 10 and 12 soft rays. The anal fin has 3 spines and 9 or 10 soft rays. The caudal peduncle has a low, fleshy ridge on each side. The front of the lower jaw typically has a row of tiny teeth. They are bluish grey on the upper body, silvery white with pinkish hue ventrally with reddish orange caudal and pectoral fins. This species has reached a maximum published total length of 72 cm (28 in).

The Japanese rubyfish has an Indo-West Pacific distribution. It is found in eastern Africa where it has been recorded from South Africa, Madagascar and Kenya east as far as Hawaii, north to southern Japan and south to Australia. In Australia it occurs from Rottnest Island in Western Australia around the northern tropical coast as far as Moreton Bay in Queensland and Lord Howe Island. This is a demersal fish found in deep waters at depths of 215 to 300 m (705 to 984 ft).