PRICKLY SCULPIN

Cottus asper

Class: Pisces

Order: Scorpaeniformes

Family: Cottidae

DISTRIBUTION: Freshwater along the Pacific coast of North America.

HABITAT: Pools and quiet areas in clear coastal streams and lakes. May also live in brackish water.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Head is flattened from above, the body is strout to elongate, scales are absent and instead they have minute skin spines or spiny bony plates along sides. This sculpin is identified by its long, many rayed anal fin. Length 12".

LONGEVITY:

SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS: Cryptic coloration that allows it to blend in with its surroundings; serves as protection from predators.

HABITS: Lays hidden among rocks and sand, active during the day.

REPRODUCTION: Breeds in early spring; eggs are orange and are stuck on the roof of the nest that is built under a rock. Males fan and guard the eggs. Fanning the eggs provides aeration.

POPULATION STATUS:

DIET: Aquatic insects and bottom living invertebrates, small fishes and salmon eggs.

NOTES OF INTEREST: