Shachihoko
Japanese mythological creature / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Shachihoko?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
SHOW ALL QUESTIONS
A Shachihoko (鯱・鯱鉾) – or simply Shachi (鯱) – is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp[1] covered entirely in black or grey scales.[2] According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes. It can swallow a massive amount of water and hold it in its belly, as well as summon clouds and control the rain.[3] Although believed to come from the sea, they are often constructed high on the roof standing upside down.[2]
鯱 is a kokuji character; when pronounced shachi (鯱), it also means "orca".[4]