This figure is the Big-scaled Redfin, known in Japan as Ugui, Pseudaspius hakonensis (originally posted as Tribolodon hakoensis, but the genus was updated in 2011), number 07 from the first series. It’s the first non-salmonid since the first figure, the Ayu , a smelt. The Big-scaled redfin is one of many true minnows referred to as a ‘dace’, which is not specifically defined as anything other than a type of minnow (kind of a pointless word then…). This species is commonly found throughout Japan and Korea, and reported from Russia and China. I’ve also found reference to them as somewhat popular aquarium fish. The Yujin model states that the normal size is 30cm, but they can range up to 45cm or so (fairly large compared to most people’s image of a ‘minnow’). I’ve seen reference to them as ‘giant dace’.
As far as behaviour, the Big-scale redfin are mostly freshwater but also tolerate brackish conditions. It seems that they are found in lakes and streams. They are considered omnivorous, but prefer benthic invertebrates. They are listed by the IUCN as Least Concern.
This model is about 5.5 cm long, making the figure roughly 1:5. The figure itself is based on the adult male in a fairly horizontal pose. Females are much duller in colour, so it’s no surprise that they went with the bright red and black longitudinal stripes, it stands out quite a bit from most of the series which tend to the more natural browns, greens and greys of many fish. And yes, the fins are red!
I’m just going to add a bit more to this description here, I was pretty brief. When I mentioned ‘male coloration’ I should have specified breeding male–in more normal situations, there is some colour banding, but it’s nowhere near as bold as seen in the model. That said, the brownish back, a pair of dark horizontal bands divided by red stripes does match the pattern of the real animal. The eyes are bright and golden which is appropriate and gives a sense of a fast and healthy animal. I did say the fins are red, but in some ways may be too red–it’s unusual, as many Yujin fish have more translucent fins, but these fins are more solid coloured. Also, there are white margins on the pelvic and anal fins…a small detail, but while, again, a little bold, is correct, so that’s appreciated. Overall, a really nice look for the fish.
The base for this one is the river gravel with plant, the green actually contrasting well with the fish (meaning it would probably get eaten pretty quickly…). Given the widespread familiarity of the Big-Scaled Redfin in Japan it has shown up from other Japanese companies a few other times, including in the Colorata River sets, from Kaiyodo in the Birdtales series (under the genus Leuciscus) and from the Kitan Club Nature Technicolor series.
Starting on the 14th of January, 2024, I migrated my first Yujin Freshwater Fish Pictorial walkaround post from the Animal Toy Forum to this blog, with the intention of moving all species’/figures’ walkarounds here. The initial post contained a lengthy explanation of the series (both the original and updated) that I don’t think should be repeated each time! For those details, the post can be seen at the first post. Then we can just get to the fish. Most of the details and writing will come from the original post, although I may supplement/add where appropriate.