The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sculpins

Mottled Sculpin, Cottus bairdi

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large broad head, large terminal mouth
ï¿½	Eye 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

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

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 50-80 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Cool, clear, moderate and high-gradient creeks, streams, and small rivers
ï¿½	Tolerant of warm water
ï¿½	Found in stony shallows of lakes

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Blue Ridge in the Atlantic slope drainages, New, and Tennessee drainages

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects, isopods, amphipods, and other invertebrates, rarely fish

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in mid-March and April at 5-16ï¿½C
ï¿½	Nest cavities are usually under rocks, although eggs can be laid anyplace
ï¿½	On average, 2-4 females mate with each male
ï¿½	Fecundity is 35-406 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Most abundant sculpin in the United States

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

Continue Browsing Families.....