Specific features of distribution and ecology of Lycenchelys fedorovi (Zoarcidae) in Pacific waters off the northern Kuril Islands

On the basis of material for 1993–2002, data are provided on occurrence, spatial-bathymetric distribution, and size composition of Lycenchelys fedorovi, as well as on species that occur simultaneously with it in catches in Pacific waters off the northern Kuril Islands. This relatively scarce, medium-sized representative of the family Zoarcidae (maximum length of 42 cm, body weight 200 g) during the period of studies occurred only at the site to the south of the Fourth Kuril Strait in the range of depths 220–775 m at the near-bottom temperature of 1.6–4.2°C. The dependence between the depth of catch and sizes of L. fedorovi was analyzed. It was shown that the size of its catches in Pacific waters off the northern Kuril Islands is subjected to some interannual, seasonal, and diurnal dynamics.