Striped beakfish

Characteristics

Black stripes run from the head to the caudal fin on a white or gray background. The mouth is slightly pointed and sticks out. As the male grows, the stripes become obscure and the area around the mouth darkens. There is also a region called "Kuchiguro"("Black Mouth").

Ecology

It is found on shallow reefs off the coast of Japan. They are carnivorous and eat crustaceans and shellfish. Animals with shells are also chewed. It is curious and does not run away even when a swimming human approaches.

Habitat

Kanagawa Prefecture Hayakawa Beach

I photographed an individual swimming alone during diving. It was slowly circling around rocks in relatively shallow water. It was a male with a black mouth and obscure stripes. I was able to shoot without escaping even if I got very close.

Miura Peninsula Arasaki

I photographed young fish in Arasaki in August. It was swimming alone in a shallow rocky area with a depth of about 2m.