Sea Raven

Hemitripterus americanus

This prickly fish is a member of the sculpin family. It lives on the sea bottom and has its eyes on the top of its head. If you catch this fish (hope that you don't -- it bites and has sharp spines!) you may see it do something very strange. It fills its belly with air and water, blowing up like a balloon. If you release it back into the water it will float helplessly until it is able to deflate.

Look For : A sculpin with prickly skin. 3 long dorsal spines. Membrane of first dorsal fin deeply notched between spines. Fleshy tabs on head.

Length : 25".

Habitat : Ocean bottoms at depths of 10-200'.

Range : Labrador to Chesapeake Bay.