A Preliminary List of Marine Fishes Found in the Nemuro Strait between Hokkaido and Kunashiri Islands

Abstract

Marine fishes inhabiting the Nemuro Strait between Hokkaido a nd Kunashiri islands were investigated based on collected specimens and underwater photographs. The fishes found in this strait were classified into 138 species of 99 genera belonging to 40 families in 14 orders. The fish fauna of this strait can be characterized by the dominance of Subarctic species (78% of all recorded species). Deep-sea species are recorded in the northern part of the Strait. P revious studies and historical specimens collected from the Strait and the adjacent waters were also reviewed.