The fat greenling is a long-bodied fish found on rocky coastal reefs around Korea and Japan in the northwest Pacific. Five along each side sense water movement and help distinguish it from the similar spotty-bellied greenling (Hexagrammos agrammus). Fat greenlings do not occur naturally along U.S. coasts.

Appearance

Appearance
This long, low-bodied fish has five sensory lines along each side. Its color varies with its surroundings.

Where it lives

Typical habitats
  • Rocky shores
  • Coastal reefs
Range
Native to the northwest Pacific near Korea, Japan, and nearby Russian waters. Its documented natural range does not reach the United States.

Behavior

Diet
In eelgrass beds in Korea, young fat greenlings eat small ; larger fish also take worms and other fish.
Activity
Males guard clusters of eggs attached to rocks during breeding.

Life cycle

Breeding season
Breeding has been reported in fall and winter in its native range.
Nest
The male stays with the eggs until they hatch.

Conservation

IUCN Red List
LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
8 sources
  1. iNaturalist taxon 372200
  2. 국립수산과학원 쥐노래미
  3. 瀬戸内海魚類目録: アイナメ
  4. Comparative Feeding Ecology of Two Sympatric Greenling Species
  5. 한국 서해산 쥐노래미의 식성 비교
  6. FishBase field guide: Hexagrammos otakii
  7. 수산자원관리법 시행령 별표 1: 쥐노래미
  8. 수산자원관리법 시행령 별표 2: 쥐노래미
Fat Greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) — identification, habitat & look-alikes | Moeyo