The barred knifejaw (Oplegnathus fasciatus), also known as the striped beakfish or rock bream, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, from the family Oplegnathidae.

Adults of the species utilize their beak-like mouth structure to effectively feed on hard-shelled invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks, while juveniles heavily depend on zooplankton.

On March 22, 2013, the boat washed onshore in North America at Long Beach, Washington, more than 4,000 miles (6,400 km) from its starting point.

The resulting tsunami swept the 20 foot (6.1 m) Saishoumaru out to sea and inundated its storage compartments with seawater containing marine life, including several knifejaw fry.

[8] The boat was discovered beached on the Washington coast on March 22, 2013, its internal hold now forming an "aquarium" for the five knifejaws as well as more than 30 plant and invertebrate species.

[11][12][13] Many East-Asian countries (primarily China and Japan) farm the barred knifejaw for many purposes including the commercial sale and recreational activities associated with them.

Much of the aquaculture surrounding the barred knifejaw is the result of it having been ranched for the purpose of feeding blue-fin tuna hatcheries.

In recent years, studies have been conducted to investigate if the genetic variability of the barred knifejaw was declining due to the constant addition of hatchery fish into their natural habitats.

[15] One of the biggest challenges that must be overcome while working with the barred knifejaw in aquaculture is preventing or limiting the damage done by pathogenic invasion throughout the species.

In lab settings, vaccination using viral membrane proteins similar to those from RBIV had proved effective in yielding an immune response.