Leucopsarion

Leucopsarion is a genus of small, slender gobies belonging to the family Gobiidae. The most well-known species in this genus is Leucopsarion petersii, commonly known as the Japanese icefish or Japanese sand goby. This species is found in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, inhabiting brackish and freshwater environments along the coasts of Japan, Korea, and parts of China. Leucopsarion petersii is a relatively small fish, typically reaching lengths of around 5 to 7 centimeters. Its body is elongated and translucent, giving it a somewhat ethereal appearance, which contributes to the "icefish" common name. The fish are often found in sandy or muddy substrates, where they burrow or hide amongst vegetation. They are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates. Leucopsarion petersii has an important ecological role in its habitat and is also of some economic significance, particularly in Japan where it is consumed and sometimes used for traditional medicine. There is limited information available on other species within the Leucopsarion genus, with L. petersii being the most extensively studied and recognized.