Distribution and some features of biology of thorny sculpin Icelus cataphractus (Cottidae) in the Sea of Japan

• Published in: Journal of ichthyology Vol. 54; no. 9; pp. 670 - 677
• Main Authors: Panchenko, V. V, Solomatov, S. F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Moscow Springer-Verlag 2014; Pleiades Publishing
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Brackish; Cottidae; Crustacea; females; Freshwater; Icelus; Life Sciences; males; spawning; spring; summer; temperature; Zoology; Sea of Japan; INW, Russia, Primorskiy, Petra Velikogo Bay; INW, Japan Sea; Sea of Japan; numbers; biomass; thorny sculpin; bathymetric and spatial distribution; sizes
• ISSN: 0032-9452; 1555-6425
• DOI: 10.1134/S0032945214060125

In the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan, thorny sculpin Icelus cataphractus reaches a length of 32 cm and occurs at depths 22–650 m. As a numerous species, it can be characterized for Peter the Great Bay and adjacent areas of Primorye. The range of dwelling of I. cataphractus is widest in the period of spring migrations from the sites of wintering and in the period of summer feeding. During the year, I. cataphractus prefers depths of the upper section of the continental slope and the lower part of the shelf with moderate positive temperature. Highest concentrations are observed in the summer season. Females of I. cataphractus reach greater sizes than males; their proportion in catches, on the whole, is higher, but males dominate in medium size groups. Mature individuals are recorded beginning from a length of approximately 15 cm; spawning period is confined to the summer-autumn season. Along the continental coast of the Sea of Japan, I. cataphractus is distributed between 36° and 51° N. The bulk of feeding of I. cataphratus is formed by bottom and near-bottom crustaceans.