Latin name

Podothecus sachi

Other name

Podothecus sachi

Identification

The head of the Snail-fin poacher, compressed from the sides, is 25% the length of the entire body. The snout is pointed. There is no well-developed strong keel on the sides of the head. The gill membranes are joined by an isthmus. There are antennae under the tip of the snout and at the corners of the mouth, most of which are compound (poorly developed). The diameter of the eye is 19-23% of the length of the head, the snout - 49-50% of the length of the head. The teeth of this fish are small. There are very few on the upper jaw and none on the coulter. The body is also compressed from the sides. Spines on the bony plates form longitudinal keels.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8 - 12. 

This species (especially males) has enlarged dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. In particularly large individuals, the height of the fins is 40% of the length of the body, and sometimes more. Podothecus gilberti can be distinguished from this species by the greater number of rays in the anal and dorsal fins, as well as the size of these fins at the base and their height. Because of these two fins, Podothecus sachi is called the dragonfish.

Fish colouring

The second dorsal fin of the Snail-fin poacher has a dark edge or a few bright spots, usually grouped in 1-3 rows. The edge of the anal fin is also dark. There are a number of light spots on the border between the light and dark parts of the anal fin.  

Distribution

These fish are found in the Sea of Japan, the Tatar Strait, around the islands of Yeddo and Sakhalin, and in the south of Kamchatka.

Habitat

A marine benthic species that prefers temperate climates. Depth range from 20 to 269 meters.

Size

Male Snail-fin poachers have a maximum length of 50.0 cm.

Behavior

In general, these fish prefer silty-sandy bottoms at depths of 150 meters or less. 

Food and feeding habits

The Snail-fin poacher feeds on benthic crustaceans, mollusks and echinoderms.

Reproduction

Adult females spawn several times.

Fishing

This species is of no commercial interest to the fishery.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.