Life in the sea

Inhabited by Approximately 1,000 of Japan's 2,300 Fish Species

Turning next to the aquatic ecosystem, I would like to highlight some of the countless fish and other marine organisms that inhabit Suruga Bay.
The undulating seabed and nourishing waters of Suruga Bay form the habitat for approximately one thousand different species of fish, representing about 40% of Japan's 2,300 indigenous species. These represent many different types of fish, from sardine fry to mackerel, horse mackerel to gnomefish, and many more.
The bay's rich biodiversity is underscored by the presence of sakura-ebi shrimp, which cannot be found in any other body of water in Japan.
Suruga Bay also contains an undersea plateau called Senoumi, which is well known as a rich fishing ground.

Courtesy of
Takashi Tetsu (Tokai University's School of Marine Science and Technology) [ Red-belted anthias, Yellow hawkfish ]
Koji Nakamura / Japan Underwater Films Co.,Ltd. [ Scalefin anthias & Neon damselfish, Japanese amberjack ]

Creatures Inhabiting Japan's Deepest Bay

Here is a sampling of the many precious life forms in the deep waters of the bay.
These include the Japanese spider crab, the largest variety in the world, as well as grenadiers, deep-sea sharks, and other bottom- dwelling fish.
Suruga Bay's depth, unrivaled within Japan, allows it to support an endless variety of marine organisms, making it truly a cradle of life.

Courtesy of
Takashi Tetsu (Tokai University's School of Marine Science and Technology) [ Yellow goosefish ]
Koji Nakamura / Japanese spider crab, young stage of japanese flying squid, Japanese pancake devilfish - Japan Underwater Films Co.,Ltd.

Marine Animals Benefit from the Sea's Abundant Gifts

The diverse fauna of the coastal portions of the bay, including starfish and hermit crabs, are complemented by an equally colorful repertoire of flora. Numerous seaweed beds are found along the Izu Peninsula coast, with Garamo (Sargassum), Tengusa (Gellidium), Amamo (Zostera, or Eelgrass) and other types of seaweed. It is said that this area has the greatest number of seaweed varieties in Japan.
Many small creatures inhabit these beds, as the abundance of marine plants provides a source of food for abalone, turban shells, sea urchins, and other creatures. In addition, thanks to the tireless work of local conservationists, Omaezaki's coast has maintained a reputation as a spawning ground for loggerhead sea turtles.

Koji Nakamura / Courtesy of Japan Underwater Films Co.,Ltd. [ Seaweed bed, Fan-shaped brown Seaweed, Turban Snail]