Mezina Nibbler (Girella mezina) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Mezina nibbler is a dark-bodied fish found along rocky coasts in East Asia, outside U.S. coastal waters. Its much thicker upper lip and deeper body help distinguish it from smallscale blackfish (Girella punctata). A pale band on its side can help identify it, but the band may fade once the fish is out of water.

Appearance

Appearance: It has a deep, dark body, a noticeably thick upper lip, and a pale band across its side. The band can become hard to see once the fish is out of water.

Look-alikes

smallscale blackfishGirella punctata

Check a close view of the head: Mezina nibbler has a much thicker upper lip and a deeper body. A pale side band can help, but it may fade once the fish is out of water.

Why they get mixed upBoth are dark, closely related fish found in East Asia.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: East Asian rocky coasts
Range: Its range is in the western Pacific around Japan, Korea, and China, outside U.S. coastal waters.

Behavior

Diet: In Japan, this fish is reported to eat more seaweed than closely related fish.

Name and classification

About the name: It is also called yellowstriped blackfish.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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