The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sculpins

Bluestone Sculpin, Cottus sp.

 
Physical Description: 
·	Large broad head, large terminal mouth
·	Eye is high on head
·	Short snout
·	Chin slightly mottled or unmottled
·	Broad bands on the back
·	Anteriorly rounded body, compressed posteriorly
·	First dorsal fin has a short base, second has a long base
·	Dorsal fins not connected, but almost no gap between them
·	Marbled coloration on fins
·	Large, fan-like pectoral fin
·	Tail fin not rounded 
·	Body gray, olive-colored
·	May have some orange-red color on dorsal and tail fins in young fish

Similar species: 
·	Banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae)
·	Black sculpin (Cottus baileyi)

Mean body size:
·	Adults are 60-80 mm standard length 

Habitat:
·	Strong flows over gravel in cool waters

Distribution in VA:
·	Endemic to the upper New drainage in the Bluestone River system
	
Food Habits:  
·	Insect larvae, isopods, and amphipods

Reproductive Habits: 
·	Lifespan - 2 years
·	Spawning occurs around January and February at 6.7-8.9°C
·	Fecundity is unknown

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
·	Nearly extirpated from West Virginia
·	Population thriving near major highways, commercial, and residential areas
·	Federal special concern status

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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