Mottled Sculpin

Cottus bairdi

Sculpins are timid fish that can often be seen in shallow areas near stones, under which they hide if they feel threatened. They live in freshwater streams and feed mainly on insect larvae. Sculpins are small, elongate, scaleless fishes with two dorsal fins and very large pectoral fins. Their heads are broad and flat, with large mouths. They have three or four rays in the pelvic fins.

Look For : A sculpin with 2 dorsal fins joined at base and 2 dark spots on each dorsal fin. 4 pelvic fin rays.

Length : 5".

Habitat : Streams with gravel bottoms.

Range : Eastern and central Canada south to northern Georgia and Arkansas; western Canada south to Oregon and New Mexico.