A collaboration between Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Kochi University resulted in the collection of a basslet during a deep-sea organism survey off Okinawa Main Island. The specimen was identified as a little fairy basslet (Sacura parva), and was the first record of this species in Japanese waters. It was given the Japanese name tasuki sakuradai . The exhibit of this species is also a world first.

≪タスキサクラダイ≫
Scientific name：Sacura parva

　Little fairy basslets (Sacura parva) reach around 15 cm in length. It is a rare species previously recorded only in Australia, Indonesia, and Taiwan. 

Place of exhibit

Small Life in the Deep Sea in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Size of Exhibit

Three individuals
*Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animals.

　The Japanese name tasuki sakuradai comes from the yellow diagonal band along its body, which resembles a Japanese sash called tasuki. This diagonal pattern is shown to change shades under rearing. To accompany the publication of this paper, we have begun a live exhibit so visitors can view the changes in color and the morphology of this species.

Changes in its colors were observed (All the same individual)

We will continue to strive to shed light on various marine organisms, including this species’ ecology, through exhibits, rearing, and research.

About the scientific paper

authors：Sorari Aiba, Kei Miyamoto*, Hiroshi Ashida*  ＊Foundation staff
title：First Japanese record of the Anthiadid species little fairy basslet (Sacura parva) from offshore of Okinawa Main Island, and a reexamination of this species’ characteristics.
Journal publishing article：Ichthy, Natural History of Fishes of Japan
Link：https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ichthy/59/0/59_18/_pdf/-char/ja