Specific features of distribution and ecology of sawback poacher Sarritor frenatus (Agonidae) in Pacific Waters of the Northern Kuril Islands and Southeast Kamchatka

According to materials of 1992–2002, data on the occurrence, spatial-bathymetric distribution, and size-weight composition of sawback poacher Sarritor frenatus and species accompanying it in catches in Pacific waters of the northern Kuril Islands and southeastern Kamchatka are provided. This comparatively numerous and relatively small representative of the family Agonidae (maximum length 31 cm, body weight 103 g) in the period of studies was found uniformly at depths of 78-790 m at near-bottom temperature of ?1.2 to ?4.2°C. In spring, summer, and winter months, maximum catches (over 500–1000 ind./h of trawling) were recorded in the southernmost and northernmost sites of the study area in a bathymetric range of 101–500 m; increased concentrations of this poacher were recorded also on the beam of the Fourth Kuril Strait near the southeastern extremity of Paramushir Island only in the autumn period. The ratio between the depth of catch and the sizes of sawback poacher is analyzed, and the data on the composition of its food in waters of the northern Kuril Islands is given. It is shown that the occurrence and amount of catches of this poacher in Pacific waters of the northern Kuril Islands and southeastern Kamchatka are subjected to some interannual, seasonal, and diurnal dynamics.