Small toothed jobfish (Aphareus furca) is a saltwater species recorded in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–122 m. The main season in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia runs all year.
Scientific name: Aphareus furca · Water: Saltwater · Season: All year
Size: up to 70 cm
The small toothed jobfish is a lutjanid that lives on inshore coral and rocky reefs and in the clear waters of lagoons, swimming in both pelagic and bottom layers, alone or in small groups. It feeds mainly on fishes and also takes crustaceans. Individuals with brilliant yellow on the head may be nuptial males, and the species is notably curious and approachable. It occurs in tropical seas between roughly 35 degrees north and 31 degrees south, from the surface down to about 122 m. In season all year, it reaches about 70 cm total length, commonly 25 cm standard length, and lives about nine years. It supports commercial fisheries and is a game fish, marketed fresh and selling in the highest price band, with a trophic level of 4.1, moderate fishing vulnerability at 36 of 100, and medium resilience.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
Back to home · Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia · Species library