Ernogrammus hexagrammus (Schlegel, 1845)
Six-lined prickleback
photo by Markevich, A.I.

Family:  Stichaeidae (Pricklebacks), subfamily: Stichaeinae
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 142 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Japan to the Gulf of Po-Hai (Gulf of Chihli), the Sea of Japan, and the southern Kuril Islands.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabit coastal, near rocky reefs among algae and rocks; also brackish waters (Ref. 51666). This nocturnal fish hide between stones during the day and move to sandy areas in the evening for foraging. Feeds mainly on polychaetes and mysids, decapod crustaceans, fishes, algae and sipunculans. A solitary species with low level of contacts and aggression. Potential predators include Squalus acanthias, Sebastes taczanowskii, and S. trivittatus, sea scorpions Myoxocephalus, and cormorants (Ref. 86742). Oviparous, eggs are guarded by the male (Ref. 58332).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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