#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Bay #Sunshine Aquarium #Knife Fish

The Majestic Knife Fish Exhibit at Sunshine Aquarium

Sunshine Aquarium, located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the permanent exhibition titled "The Majestic Knife Fish," commencing on April 1, 2025. This exhibition will focus on the knife fish, which is renowned for its stunning appearance and intricate ecology. Known for its challenges in captivity, the knife fish will now be displayed swimming upright, a sight that promises to captivate and inspire visitors.

Challenges in Knife Fish Care

Caring for knife fish poses unique difficulties: 1. They lack scales, making their skin delicate and susceptible to injuries. 2. In the wild, they primarily consume live prey, making feeding in captivity challenging. 3. They are sensitive to light and water flow, which can lead to stress and injuries. 4. The limited number of facilities capable of successfully caring for these fish means that information on best practices is still evolving.

Overcoming Challenges to Create a Permanent Exhibit

• - Enhancements in Care Techniques: Over four years, Sunshine Aquarium has significantly improved its care techniques for knife fish, experimenting with various feeding methods and water flow adjustments to create an optimal environment.

• - Stable Collection Methods: Innovations in collection techniques have reduced the stress on captured fish and improved their transportation to the aquarium. Moreover, the knife fish's presence in Tokyo Bay, despite fluctuations caused by climate change, has ensured a consistent source for collection.

All About Knife Fish

So, what exactly is a knife fish? This striking carnivore, often exceeding 100 cm in length, is characterized by its glittering body and big, sharp teeth. Found in coastal regions from temperate to tropical waters, knife fish typically prey on small fish and shrimp, using their long, serrated teeth for capture.

At Sunshine Aquarium, staff occasionally embark on collection missions by boat, prioritizing the health of the fish during capture and transportation.

Collection Techniques and Tools

When collecting knife fish, teams of 5-7 staff members journey to the waters of Suruga Bay and Tokyo Bay. The process of catching the fish is a meticulously coordinated effort, complete with specific roles, including rapid detaching of hooks to minimize stress to the fish. The team also includes enthusiastic staff from other departments to bolster the effort.

• - Essential Tools Used:

1. Custom-Built Vinyl Nets: Tailored to accommodate the slender shape of the knife fish, these nets are indispensable during collection.
2. Clear Protective Sheets: To prevent the knife fish from jumping out of the water during capture, transparent sheets are secured during transport.

After catching the fish, speed is crucial. The delicate guanine layer on the knife fish's skin can be easily damaged, so staff aim to remove hooks with minimal handling. The entire operation typically needs to be completed within ten seconds!

Transportation Needs

Ensuring that knife fish arrive at the exhibit in pristine condition involves careful transportation measures. Staff utilize medication to prevent inflammation of any injuries during transport. The vehicle carrying the live fish is carefully filled with water to avoid splashing due to movement, and routes with minimal bumps are chosen to reduce stress to the fish.

Exhibiting the Knife Fish

Once at the aquarium, the fish are carefully transferred from the transport tanks into the exhibit. During regular hours, all movement happens through the back of the aquarium to avoid disturbing the viewing public, presenting unique logistical challenges for staff who must navigate narrow spaces while safely securing the fish.

For more information regarding the biology of knife fish and their collection methods, visit here.

Conclusion

The introduction of the knife fish to regular exhibition at Sunshine Aquarium marks a significant milestone for marine conservation and education. The aquarium remains committed to inspiring visitors through this unique marine life experience and continues to emphasize sustainable practices.

For inquiries, visit the Sunshine Aquarium's official webpage or contact at 03-3989-3466.