No.54 Pacific saury

Pacific saury are widely distributed in the surface waters of the North Pacific, traveling in schools. They are migratory fish that move north in search of food from spring to summer and then head south in autumn to spawn. They have an elongated body and a sharply pointed snout, feeding primarily on small crustaceans and plankton. With a relatively short lifespan of about two years, spawning in diverse locations is considered a survival strategy.

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/

CT scans clearly reveal a row of thin, sharp small bones near the body's center. These bones support the body while also serving as defense against predators.A space for holding the swim bladder is visible in the abdomen, enabling buoyancy control during swimming. The tail tip features a V-shaped skeletal structure, developed to efficiently capture water and generate propulsion.