Big-scaled redfin
A medium-sized Asian fish popular for sport fishing.
The big-scaled redfin is a ray-finned fish in the Leuciscidae family. It lives across the Sea of Japan and grows to about 50 cm. Anglers prize it for its fighting spirit and edible meat.
- Grows up to 50 cm and 2.3 kg in weight
- Found widely across the Sea of Japan region
- Popular target for float and fly fishing methods
- Hosts parasites like Centrocestus armatus in tissues
What it is
This medium-sized ray-finned fish belongs to the Leuciscidae family, which holds daces and minnows. It reaches lengths near 50 cm and weighs up to 2.3 kg. Most caught specimens are smaller, often under 30 cm. The body shape suits active swimming in coastal waters. Its scales are distinct among its relatives in the genus Pseudaspius.
Where it lives
The species inhabits much of the Sea of Japan. It is the most widely distributed member of its genus. While specific depth ranges are not detailed, its presence in this marine region suggests adaptation to coastal conditions. It shares these waters with various other marine and estuarine species.
How it lives
Anglers report that this fish puts up a strong fight when hooked. It serves as a second intermediate host for the trematode Centrocestus armatus. The copepod Ergasilus fidiformis also infests its gills. These parasites indicate its role in local ecological food webs. Predators likely include larger fish and birds such as cormorants.
Fish and people
Fishermen value this dace for sport and food. Methods include float fishing, lure fishing, and legering. Fly fishing with patterns mimicking small fry or invertebrates works well. Catches over 40 cm are considered prizes. Cormorant fishing traditions may also target this species in some areas.
Questions people ask about Big-scaled redfin
How big does the big-scaled redfin get?
Adults can reach 50 cm in length and weigh up to 2.3 kg. However, most fish caught by anglers are smaller, typically around 30 cm and 450 g.
Where can you find this fish?
It is distributed over much of the Sea of Japan. It is the most widespread species within the Pseudaspius genus, inhabiting coastal marine environments.
Is it good for eating?
Yes, it is known to be good for eating. Anglers prize it not only for its fighting ability but also for its culinary value, making it a dual-purpose sport fish.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Big-scaled redfin", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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