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Dybowski's prickleback (Pholidapus dybowskii) — Stichaeidae

Dybowski's prickleback

Pholidapus dybowskii
Family: Stichaeidae

The Dybowski's prickleback (Pholidapus dybowskii) is a saltwater fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 46 cm.

Length
46 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–146.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Russia, Kuril Is.

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Description

Dybowski's prickleback is an elongate prickleback (Stichaeidae) from cold coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 46 cm and has an eel-like, brownish body with a long, continuous dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks, weed and seagrass of shallow coastal water and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dybowski's prickleback?

The Dybowski's prickleback has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Dybowski's prickleback live?

The Dybowski's prickleback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan, Russia, Kuril Is.

How big does the Dybowski's prickleback get?

The Dybowski's prickleback grows to a maximum of about 46 cm.

Is the Dybowski's prickleback dangerous to humans?

No, the Dybowski's prickleback is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Dybowski's prickleback (Pholidapus dybowskii) — Stichaeidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) sergeymakeev, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Dybowski's prickleback (Pholidapus dybowskii) — Stichaeidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) sergeymakeev, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Dybowski's prickleback sourced
Scientific name
Pholidapus dybowskii
Family
Stichaeidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
46.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
146.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Russia, Kuril Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Stichaeidae

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