Zoo Stock Species and the Red List

Zoo Stock

This indicates that the species is included in the Second Zoo Stock Plan, which was formulated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2018. The plan sets goals for the next 10 years in three areas: "species conservation," "contribution to wildlife conservation," and "environmental education and conservation awareness." 124 animal species are included.

What is the Red List?

Based on scientific research, this is a list of wildlife classified by rank (category) indicating the degree of risk of extinction.
Livng Things Encyclopedia shows the categories (mainland and islands) assessed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) at the global level, the Ministry of the Environment for Japan, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for Tokyo.

The higher the category in each table, the higher the risk of extinction, and CR, EN, and VU are the three categories known as "endangered species." In Tokyo, species that are not at the NT (near threatened) level but are relatively rare are considered "species of concern."

IUCN categories
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	—
CR	Serious crisis
EN	crisis
VU	emergency
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	Low Concern
DD	Data shortage
LP	—

Japan (Ministry of the Environment) Category
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	Endangered species
CR	Critically Endangered
EN	Endangered species
VU	Endangered species
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	—
DD	Lack of information
LP	Endangered local population

Tokyo Category
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	Endangered species
CR	Critically Endangered
EN	Endangered species
VU	Endangered species
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	Unranked
DD	Lack of information
LP	Endangered local population

Creatures at Tokyo Sea Life Park

Spotted Ratfish
Hydrolagus colliei

It belongs to the chimaera group. This group also inhabits the Japanese coast and all live in deep seas. However, Spotted Ratfish is unusual in that it sometimes comes up to depths of several tens of meters where divers can reach. Its English name, "spotted ratfish," comes from the white spots on its body and the shape of its mouth and large front teeth, which resemble those of a rat.

classification	Actinopterygii, Chimaera, Chimaeridae
English name	Spotted Ratfish
distribution	Eastern Pacific coast from Alaska to Southern California
Residence	They inhabit deep seas, but sometimes rise to depths of several tens of meters.
Size	Total length: 90cm
food	Shellfish, shrimp, crabs, small fish, etc.
Red List	IUCN: LC (Least Concern)

Tokyo Sea Life Park exhibition area

Deep-sea creatures Tokyo Sea Life Park

Mating with females using special hooks

Look for the oval-shaped white marking on the male's head. When viewed from the side, you'll see a swollen projection stored there. During mating, the male uses this hook to grasp the female's pectoral fin. The tip of the hook is covered with many small spines to firmly grip its partner.

Lays large eggs

They lay eggs enclosed in large shells about 13cm long. The shells are yellowish-brown and look similar to dead plant leaves. Females usually lay two eggs at a time, and after swimming with the eggs dangling from their abdomen for a while, they bury them in the sand. The eggs develop over several months, and the hatched babies emerge from the sand. The first eggs hatched at Tokyo Sea Life Park in 1999, and a second offspring was born.

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