Fin's Fish Guide
The Arctic hookear sculpin (Artediellus uncinatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Northwest Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, on sandy and silty bottoms in cold water.
Description
The Arctic hookear sculpin is a small bottom fish of the family Cottidae reaching about 10 cm. The stocky body has a large, broad head, scaleless skin and, as a hallmark, a conspicuous upward-curved hook-shaped spine on the gill cover. The colour is brownish with blotches, sometimes with a reddish tinge, good camouflage on the bottom. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the north-western Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, in cold water from tens to several hundred metres. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, worms and other bottom life. The male guards the eggs laid on the bottom. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arctic hookear sculpin?
The Arctic hookear sculpin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small cold-water sculpin with a large head and a striking hook-shaped spine on the operculum.
Where does the Arctic hookear sculpin live?
The Arctic hookear sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, on sandy and silty bottoms in cold water.
How big does the Arctic hookear sculpin get?
The Arctic hookear sculpin grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Arctic hookear sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Arctic hookear sculpin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Arctic hookear sculpin edible?
The Arctic hookear 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 Artediellus
More from the family Cottidae
Want the complete picture on the Arctic hookear sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arctic hookear sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.