Review of the Japanese records of an endangered grouper, Epinephelus tukula, with comments on its population status (Teleostei, Serranidae)

Abstract

The Potato Grouper, Epinephelus tukula, is relatively rare worldwide. Records from the northernmost part of its range (Japan) have been few, resulting in a “Critically Endangered” listing on the Red List for Japan. The Japanese records were revised by examining literature, new specimens, photographs, and the internet, and a continuous distribution pattern from the tropical Ryukyu Islands (including adult individuals) to temperate regions affected by the Kuroshio Current were delineated; this suggests the species inhabits tropical Japan and can spread to temperate regions via the warm current. The species possibly reproduces in Japanese waters but further reproductive ecology research is required.

Photographic evidence from a recreational angler of the northernmost record of the bull shark Carcharhinus leucas (Elasmobranchii: Carcharhinidae) in the western Pacific Ocean

“…In addition, several tropical or subtropical fish species, represented by apparently adult specimens, have been reported along the southern coast of the prefecture (e.g. Miki et al ., 2018; Murase et al ., 2018; Sakamoto et al ., 2018; Shibuya et al ., 2020), suggesting a subtropical or similar environment. The Oyodo River mouth, where C. leucas was caught, is located on the southern coast of the prefecture.…”

Development of EST-Molecular Markers from RNA Sequencing for Genetic Management and Identification of Growth Traits in Potato Grouper (Epinephelus tukula)

“…The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has listed the potato grouper as a nonendangered species due to its indefinite economic value and lack of biological information [ 23 ]. The advantages of fast growth in juvenile and adult potato groupers are expected to yield benefits [ 24 ]. Because of their large bodies, the broodstocks, which mainly comprise first-generation wild-type fish, are usually reared without tags in outdoor cement ponds.…”