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2025.08.01

Just like a leaf! Aquarium-born razorfish now on exhibit

The razorfish, is a new species in the Life in the Inoh section. You’ll find them just after passing through the entrance of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium!
 

Razorfish
Scientific name：Aeoliscus strigatus

 

Razorfish are related to seahorses. They live in schools in coral reefs and seagrass beds in shallow waters. Their bodies look like thin leaves. They are called ki-nu ha-iyu (leaf-like fish) in the Okinawan language. They usually swim upside down with their head toward the floor.

Place of exhibit

Life in the “inoh”

Size of Exhibit

Born June 2025 ( Length 2 cm)
Approximately 10 individuals

Exhibit duration

From August 1, 2025
*Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animals.
 


Razorfish are relatively common in the wild, but are difficult to breed in captivity, making breeding highly significant. We observed breeding behavior at the aquarium from approximately 4:00 p.m. until sunset. Multiple razorfish swam in small circles before releasing their eggs. The hatchlings swim horizontally immediately after hatching. However, once they reached about 5 mm in length, they switched to their distinctive upside-down swimming.
After a month, they had grown to about 10 mm in length, and started to move in groups.


On your visit, be sure to check out the unique swimming patterns of the adorable razorfish, born and raised at the aquarium!

Inquiries

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

905-0206
424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL:+81-980-48-3748 FAX:+81-980-48-4444