Percis japonica (Pallas, 1769)
Dragon poacher
photo by Orlov, A.

Family:  Agonidae (Poachers), subfamily: Hypsagoninae
Max. size:  42 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 19 - 750 m
Distribution:  North Pacific: Sea of Japan to the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-8; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-9; Vertebrae: 40-42. Snout round, without a barbel on its anterior tip; dorsum highly elevated at nape (Ref. 559). Branchial membranes united, free from isthmus (Ref. 559). Bony plate on body with a large sharp spine (Ref. 559).
Biology:  Found over rocky gravel and muddy sand bottoms (Ref. 43939).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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