The distribution and some biological features of Stichaeus grigorjewi (Stichaeidae) in the waters of northern Primorye (The Sea of Japan)

• Published in: Journal of ichthyology Vol. 46; no. 6; pp. 447 - 453
• Main Authors: Kalchugin, P. V., Pushchina, O. I., Panchenko, V. V., Solomatov, S. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2006
• Subjects: Marine; Stichaeus grigorjewi; INW, Japan Sea
• ISSN: 0032-9452; 1555-6425
• DOI: 10.1134/S0032945206060051

Stichaeus grigorjewi is a common species, but in the waters of northern Primorye it is comparatively rare. It occurs at depths down to 465 m for the greater part of the year, except for the spawning period, staying in deep- water masses with relatively stable temperature conditions. The widest bathymetric distribution of S. grigorjewi is observed from spring-early summer. After the completition of spawning, it shifts to depths larger than 100 m and winters in the upper section of the continental slope. During each season maximum concentrations of S. grigorjewi along the coasts of Primorye are observed in water from Povorotnyi Cape to the Olga Gulf. Males and females of this species have close rates of growth and reach an age of not less than 12+ years. Most individuals of S. grigorjewi in catches had a length of 37 to 44 cm and fed mainly on fish.