by Y. Nishioka
Description
Japanese lates is rare fish. First, they are very few to be fished by fisherman. Next,
they are endemic in Japan and distribution is narrow. They live in Kochi and Miyazaki.
Then, they decrease by public business like reclamation. Finally, they are appointed en-
dangered species.
Ecology
The biology of Japanese lates is interesting. First, they are nocturnal and very alert.
And they are a bottom dweller in shallow water in freshwater, estuaries and the ocean. Next, their fry are known to have been observed in ecology. It seems to mimic in the dead leaves on their head state on eelgrass bed. And, they eat animal like fish, crustacean, and polychaete. Finally, spawing season is speculated June to July.
Taxonomy
Barramundi is similar to Japanese lates, but different species. To begin, both of them
are length of 1 meter, body is metallic gray in overall color, darker upperparts and ligh-
ter underparts. Next, Japanese lates has eyes which gleams red in the darkness, but Barramundi has eyes which gleams gold in the darkness. To finish, their anal fin are
different. Second spines is the longest of three spines of anal fin, is Japanese lates and Third spines is longest of three spines of anal fin, is Barramundi.
Nile perch is similar to Japanese lates too. First, Nile perch is bigger than Japanese late. They reach maximum length of about 2 meters, weight is 200kg. Next, they eat fish, crustacean and insects. their fry eat zooplankton. And, their body is silver, their eye is dark black. Finally, they feed impact at planted lake. In Lake Victoria, endemic species decreased and small groups are extinct by arrival of Nile perch.
Viewing
Finally, Japanese lates lives in Shimanto river and Urado bay. They are appointed endangered species. If you go to Shimanto river or Urado bay, you must not fish them. They are very rare fish.
Life in Kochi 