Ayu Sweetfish
Plecoglossus altivelis
- Group: Other
- Max size: 70 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: DD
The ayu runs between river and sea, hatching near the coast in cold months and pushing upstream in spring when the water warms to around ten degrees. Adults scrape algae from clean river stones and are fiercely territorial over their grazing patches, a trait Japanese anglers exploit by fishing with a live decoy fish.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Osmeriformes › Plecoglossidae › Plecoglossus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 293715.
FAQ
- Is the Ayu Sweetfish dangerous to divers?
- The Ayu Sweetfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Ayu Sweetfish get?
- The Ayu Sweetfish grows to about 70 cm.