Calotomus japonicus (Valenciennes 1840)

Flexible to semi-pungent dorsal spines; a dark central blotch on inter spinous membrane of dorsal spines I and II. Area circumscribed by pectoral fin unspotted. Rounded caudal fins at all sizes. Reddish brown in color when fresh with white and pale gray scale markings. Reddish pelvic fins with whitish blotches. Number of upper jaw teeth initially increasing with size. Yellow iris, blotched with dark brown. Lateral line interrupted.

Pelagic spawner.

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10; Vertebrae: 25

Apparently confined to coastal waters in rocky areas with seaweeds (Ref. 9710).

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes