No.53 Japanese soldierfish

Japanese soldierfish is a fish belonging to the Seriolidae family, inhabiting the deep waters of tropical to temperate seas. In Japan, it is found in areas such as the Izu Islands and the Ryukyu Islands. Its body is a vivid red color, and its large eyes are adapted to capture the faint light in the dim environment of the deep sea, aiding its nocturnal lifestyle. Ebisudai do not form schools, often acting alone or in small groups, and primarily feed on small fish and crustaceans.

This sample was requested by NHK Enterprises, Inc. and CT scans were conducted as a project for NHK E-television's “Gyogyotto Sakana★Star”.
Gyogyotto Sakana★Star" program HP: https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/P58QMGP4K1/

The CT scan clearly reveals sharply developed spines on the dorsal and anal fins, indicating a defensive structure for protection against predators. The robust spine curves yet forms a regular sequence, enabling sustained swimming in the deep sea. These features demonstrate that the Ebisu-dai, surviving in dark, high-pressure environments, has evolved for both predation and defense.