Shachihoko

thumb|248x248px|Shachihoko on the roof of Nagoya Castle

A – or simply – is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon or tiger and the body of a carp covered entirely in black or grey scales. According to the tale, Shachihoko lives in the cold northern ocean. Its broad fins and tail 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. Although believed to come from the sea, they are often constructed high on the roof standing upside down.