First Finding of Egg Masses of the Whip Sculpin <i>Gymnocanthus intermedius</i> (Temminck et Schlegel, 1843) (Cottidae) in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan)

Abstract

For the first time, we report the finding of egg masses and an egg-guarding male of the whip sculpin Gymnocanthus intermedius (Temminck et Schlegel, 1843) in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan). Bottom eggs were found in the post-wintering period during a scuba dive at a depth of 12 m. Exact data on the depth of occurrence and structure of the egg masses, the number of eggs per mass, and the sex of the guarding parent fish are provided. Egg characteristics and the substrate, on which the egg masses were laid, are described. The diagnostic features of the male that allowed it to be assigned to G. intermedius are given.