Fin's Fish Guide
The Arctic sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Northeast and northwest Atlantic, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and adjacent Arctic coastal waters.
Description
The shorthorn sculpin is a bottom-dwelling fish of the family Cottidae reaching about 60 cm but usually smaller. It has a broad, flattened head with stout spines on the head and gill cover, large fan-shaped pectoral fins and a stout, scaleless body. The colour is brown, greenish or reddish and heavily mottled, giving excellent camouflage among stones and weeds; when threatened the fish can puff itself up. The species lives on sand and stone bottoms of the North Sea, the Baltic and the northern Atlantic, from the shore to several hundred metres. As an ambush predator it eats crabs, shrimp and small fish. It spawns in winter, after which the male guards the egg clumps.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arctic sculpin?
The Arctic sculpin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bottom fish with a broad, flattened head, large pectoral fins and sturdy head spines; excellently camouflaged and able to inflate itself.
Where does the Arctic sculpin live?
The Arctic sculpin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast and northwest Atlantic, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and adjacent Arctic coastal waters.
How big does the Arctic sculpin get?
The Arctic sculpin grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 24 cm.
Is the Arctic sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Arctic sculpin is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout head and gill-cover spines can give puncture wounds if grasped; handle the fish carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Arctic sculpin edible?
The Arctic sculpin is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Arctic sculpin and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Myoxocephalus
More from the family Cottidae
Want the complete picture on the Arctic sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arctic sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.