The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sculpins

Slimy Sculpin, Cottus cognatus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large broad head, large terminal mouth, short snout
ï¿½	Eye is high on head
ï¿½	Slender or somewhat stocky
ï¿½	Anteriorly rounded body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	First dorsal fin has a short base, second has a long base
ï¿½	Distinct blotches along the lower body
ï¿½	Large, fan-like pectoral fin
ï¿½	Dorsal fins slightly connected
ï¿½	Tail fin rounded 
ï¿½	Body yellowish or pale olive-colored

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae)
ï¿½	Black sculpin (Cottus baileyi)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 35-65 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Small, rocky brooks, vegetated spring runs to large rivers
ï¿½	Tolerant of siltation, but not warm water

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Potomac and Shenandoah River systems
ï¿½	Distribution probably resulted from effects of Pleistocene glaciation  

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insect larvae, worms, small crustaceans, rarely fish and fish eggs

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning occurs late March to early May in water that is 4.5-10ï¿½C
ï¿½	Nest cavities are usually under stones in shallow riffles
ï¿½	Can spawn in deep areas of lakes as well 
ï¿½	Fecundity is 42-1,420 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Recommended for special concern status in the 1970s, but since then, new populations have been discovered
ï¿½	Threatened in Maryland and West Virginia

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.....