Japanese White Seaperch
(Sebastes cheni)

Sebastes cheni, the Japanese white seaperch or Japanese blueback seaperch, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Sebastinae, the rockfishes, part of the family Scorpaenidae. It is found in the Northwest Pacific. The species is a popular quarry for anglers. White seaperch is fished for food and game fishing. In Japan this species is known as Mebaru.

Sebastes cheni has a body which is dark golden-brown on the back and sides when fresh. Its pelvic fin extending past the anus when lowered. The pectoral fins have 17 rays and the anal fin has 8 rays. The lateral line contains 37–46 pored scales.

Sebastes cheni is found in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It occurs as far north as the Iwate and Akita Preferctures south to Kyushu in Japan and off the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. This species is one of the dominant fish species in seagrass and seaweed beds.