Fin's Fish Guide
The Arctic staghorn sculpin (Gymnocanthus tricuspis) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Arctic staghorn sculpin is a sculpin from the Arctic, ranging from the Gulf of St. Lawrence through Greenland and Iceland to the Barents Sea. It grows to about 30 cm and has a large, broad head merging into a rearward-tapering body; the back is dark with two blackish-brown flank bands and the belly is light. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives on sand and sand-mud bottoms to over 500 metres depth in very cold water, into which it often burrows. It feeds on amphipods and polychaete worms. The fish is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated by the IUCN (NE).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arctic staghorn sculpin?
The Arctic staghorn sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Large broad head; buries itself in sandy and muddy bottoms; cold-water adaptation
Where does the Arctic staghorn sculpin live?
The Arctic staghorn sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Arctic and subarctic seas
How big does the Arctic staghorn sculpin get?
The Arctic staghorn sculpin grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Arctic staghorn sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Arctic staghorn 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 Arctic staghorn sculpin edible?
The Arctic staghorn 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 Gymnocanthus
More from the family Cottidae
Want the complete picture on the Arctic staghorn sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arctic staghorn sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.