Fin's Fish Guide
The Armorhead sculpin (Gymnocanthus galeatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Description
The armorhead sculpin is a sculpin from the northern Pacific, from the Bering Sea to the Aleutians and British Columbia. The species grows to about 46 cm and has a stocky body with a large head armoured with bony ridges and spines. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sandy and muddy bottoms of cold, fairly deep water and feeds on small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Armorhead sculpin?
The Armorhead sculpin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Large head with bony ridges and spines; cold-water bottom-dweller
Where does the Armorhead sculpin live?
The Armorhead sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific
How big does the Armorhead sculpin get?
The Armorhead sculpin grows to a maximum of about 46 cm.
Is the Armorhead sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Armorhead 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 Armorhead sculpin edible?
The Armorhead sculpin is rarely eaten.
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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 Armorhead sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Armorhead sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.