Hyporhamphus sajori
| Hyporhamphus sajori | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Beloniformes |
| Family: | Hemiramphidae |
| Genus: | Hyporhamphus |
| Species: | H. sajori
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hyporhamphus sajori | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
Hyporhamphus sajori[2] (サヨリ, sayori, commonly known as the Japanese halfbeak) is a slender, surface-dwelling fish in the halfbeak family, native to coastal waters influenced by warm currents.
Description
The Japanese halfbeak makes a popular dish during the spring fishing season, often called a "seasonal spring fish". Adults typically measure 20–30 cm in length, with some reaching 40 cm, and average around 300 grams, though this varies.[3]
Taxonomy and distribution
H. sajori was first described in 1846 by Coenraad Jacob Temminck and Hermann Schlegel. It belongs to the genus Hyporhamphus within the Hemiramphidae family, initially named Hemiramphus sajori.[1] Genetic studies using mitochondrial DNA show low population diversity, with 70 specimens collected from East Asia (Japan, China, and the Korean Peninsula) appearing similar based on family tree and network analyses.[4][5][6][7]
Ecology
The fish can be infected by an egg-bearing female Mothocya isopod, typically in the left gill area. One such case was recorded on May 17, 2019, in Toyama Bay off Ishikawa Prefecture.[8]
Cultural Significance
It is a favored ingredient in cuisine, often served raw as sashimi or grilled, and commonly found in restaurants.
References
- ^ a b Masuda, H., C. Araga and T. Yoshino (1975) Coastal fishes of southern Japan, Tokai University Press, Tokyo, Japan. 382 p.
- ^ Collette, Bruce B.; Su, Jinxiang (1986). "The halfbeaks (Pisces, Beloniformes, Hemiramphidae) of the Far East". Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 138 (1): 250–302. JSTOR 4064855.
- ^
- ^ Yu, H. J.; Kai, Y.; Kim, J.-K. (2016). "Genetic diversity and population structure of Hyporhamphus sajori (Beloniformes: Hemiramphidae) inferred from mtDNA control region and msDNA markers". Journal of Fish Biology. 89 (6): 2607–2624. Bibcode:2016JFBio..89.2607Y. doi:10.1111/jfb.13152. PMID 27687511.
- ^ Gwak, Woo-Seok; Zhang, Qun; Roy, Animesh (2019). "Low Genetic Diversity and Shallow Population Structure of the Japanese Halfbeak Hyporhamphus sajori Revealed from Mitochondrial DNA in Northeast Asia" (PDF). Korean Journal of Ichthyology. 31 (4): 187–194. doi:10.35399/ISK.31.4.1.
- ^ Bisby, F.A.; Roskov, Y.R.; Orrell, T.M.; Nicolson, D.; Paglinawan, L.E.; Bailly, N.; Kirk, P.M.; Bourgoin, T.; Baillargeon, G.; Ouvrard, D. (2011). "Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2011 Annual Checklist". Species 2000: Reading, UK. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ Froese, R. & Pauly, D. (eds) (14 June 2011). "FishBase".
{{cite web}}:|author=has generic name (help); Missing or empty|url=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Japanese halfbeak". ResearchGate. Retrieved 22 July 2025.