Fish species in Japan

Willow shiner

タモロコ · tamoroko
Gnathopogon elongatus

A small barbel-bearing cyprinid of slow rivers and ponds. It is stockier than honmoroko, while motsugo has no barbels. Fish tiny bait near the bottom along quiet banks.

Habitat and season

Japanese rivers or lakes; consult local fishery rules.

Recorded fishing season: Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov
Scientific name: Gnathopogon elongatus
Japanese name: タモロコ

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

Fishing methods

Small-fish freshwater float fishing

A small float and baited hook make bites visible in canals, ponds and gentle river margins.

Find places to fish

Find spots for willow shiner on the map →

Cooking

Detailed recipes for this species are currently in Japanese. Open the Japanese cooking guide →

Compare related fish

Detailed Japanese species notes

モツゴやホンモロコと混同しやすい小魚。口ひげがあり、ホンモロコよりずんぐりした体が目安になる。名前の「モロコ」だけでは種が決まらない。

遊漁ルールと立入条件を確認。生体・餌の他水域への持ち込みを避け、食用なら加熱する。

Full Japanese page, including available 3D model →