Distribution, Temperature Conditions of Habitat and Size Composition of the Whitecrest Eelpout Petroschmidtia albonotata (Zoarcidae) in the Northeastern Sea of Okhotsk in July–September 2010

Abstract

Information has been provided on the distribution, temperature conditions of habitat and size composition of the whitecrest eelpout Petroschmidtia albonotata in the northeastern Sea of Okhotsk in July–September 2010. This species was found within the intermediate water mass at depths of 213–651 m at a water temperature at the bottom of 0–2.3°C. Accumulations of increased density were noted on the western slope of the TINRO depression and south of the Lebed trench in the bathymetric range of 213–300 and 401–500 m, respectively. The total length of the whitecrest eelpout in catches varied from 14 to 48 cm. A significant proportion of small individuals (<20 cm in length) was recorded on the western slope of the TINRO depression at depths <300 m, while larger individuals were caught to the south. Differences in thermal conditions of this species habitat within the study area have been revealed. North of 55° N, the whitecrest eelpout is concentrated at a temperature of 1.0–1.2°C, to the south—at 1.8–2.0°C. A comparison of the obtained data and literature data indicates that, depending on the region, species of the genus Petroschmidtia are characterized by significant differences in preferred depths and temperature conditions in their habitats.