Fin's Fish Guide
The Alpine bullhead (Cottus poecilopus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Fresh water of Central, Northern and Eastern Europe to Siberia, in cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers with a stony or gravel bottom.
Description
The Alpine bullhead is a small freshwater bottom fish of the family Cottidae reaching about 13 cm. The scaleless, brownish mottled body has a large, broad, flattened head; it closely resembles the European bullhead but can be told apart by the longer, conspicuously banded pelvic fins. The species lives in cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers with a stony or gravelly bottom in central, northern and eastern Europe through to Siberia, often at higher altitude than the European bullhead. By day it shelters under stones; at night it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans and fish eggs. In spring the male guards the eggs laid under a stone. It is regarded as an indicator of clean, cold water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Alpine bullhead?
The Alpine bullhead is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small freshwater sculpin with a large, broad head and banded pelvic fins; resembles the bullhead but with a longer pelvic fin.
Where does the Alpine bullhead live?
The Alpine bullhead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of Central, Northern and Eastern Europe to Siberia, in cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers with a stony or gravel bottom.
How big does the Alpine bullhead get?
The Alpine bullhead grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Alpine bullhead dangerous to humans?
No, the Alpine bullhead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Alpine bullhead edible?
The Alpine bullhead is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Alpine bullhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alpine bullhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cottus
More from the family Cottidae
Want the complete picture on the Alpine bullhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alpine bullhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.