Fin's Fish Guide
The Anadyr sculpin (Cottus cognatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) is a small sculpin of the family Cottidae from fresh and sometimes brackish water of northern North America. The species has a scaleless, brownish mottled body with a broad, flattened head and large pectoral fins, and reaches about 12 cm. It inhabits rocky riffles of cold streams, rocky areas of lakes (sometimes at 90-106 metres depth) and springs. For spawning it moves into shallow water. As a bottom dweller it feeds on insect larvae and small invertebrates. Owing to its sensitivity to water pollution the species is an indicator of clean, cold water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anadyr sculpin?
The Anadyr sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Scaleless, marbled body with a broad head; indicator of clean, cold water.
Where does the Anadyr sculpin live?
The Anadyr sculpin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Cold streams and lakes of northern North America.
How big does the Anadyr sculpin get?
The Anadyr sculpin grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Anadyr sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Anadyr sculpin is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Anadyr sculpin edible?
The Anadyr sculpin is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cottus
More from the family Cottidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Anadyr sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.