Seasonal Distribution and Size Composition of the Black Edged Sculpin Gymnocanthus herzensteini (Cottidae) off the Mainland Coast of Russian Waters in the Sea of Japan

Off the mainland coast of the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan, the Black Edged sculpin Gymnocanthus herzensteini occurs at depths from 10 to 424 m at temperatures from -0.7 to +17 degrees C. The main aggregations throughout the year are formed in the southern part of the region. It does not enter the continental waters of the Tatar Strait above 48 degrees 40' N. The area bordering the waters of the strait is inhabited mainly by adult fish and to a greater extent during the cold season than during the warm season. Seasonal migrations are predominantly bathymetric in nature. Juveniles in all seasons adhere to the shelf zone, being more eurythermal than adults. As the Black Edged sculpin grows, it becomes more stenothermic and eurybatic.