The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sculpins

Black Sculpin, Cottus baileyi

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large broad head, large terminal mouth
ï¿½	Eye is high on head
ï¿½	Short snout
ï¿½	Anteriorly rounded body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	First dorsal fin has a short base, second has a long base
ï¿½	First dorsal fin often blackened
ï¿½	Large, fan-like pectoral fin
ï¿½	Unmottled chin
ï¿½	Dorsal fins slightly connected
ï¿½	Tail fin rounded 
ï¿½	Body tan or olive-colored
ï¿½	Some large prenuptial males have a red band on the first dorsal fin edge

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae)
ï¿½	Slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 45-75 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Cool spring runs and streams in clear moderate and high-gradient waters

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Endemic to the upper Tennessee drainage

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects and sometimes crustaceans, water mites, and fish

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Probably mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning occurs late winter to mid-spring at 7.2-14°C
ï¿½	Nest cavities are usually under stones in shallow riffles
ï¿½	Fecundity is around 77 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Elusive, localized sculpins
ï¿½	Some are completely black-colored, taxonomic status uncertain

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):

Mottled Sculpin

Black Sculpin

Slimy Sculpin

Bluestone Sculpin

Banded Sculpin

Potomac Sculpin

Holston Sculpin

Clinch Sculpin

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