In Japanese folklore, the Isonade (磯撫で) is a large dark blue shark-like creature which is said to reside in the East China Sea deep underwater, off the coast of Kyushu Island. It has a barbed tail, which is the only part of it ever seen, often hooking onto sailors or ships to drag them underwater. It is lured by blood in the water. Every few months, it swims to the sea surface to breathe fresh air, which causes storms or fierce winds as well turbulent seas. Any ships sunken in this storm are devoured by Isonade as food. Isonade means "beach stroker" in Japanese.