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Blacknose sculpin (Icelus canaliculatus) — Cottidae

Blacknose sculpin

Icelus canaliculatus
Family: Cottidae

The Blacknose sculpin (Icelus canaliculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20.0–1005.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Russia, Alaska

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Description

The Blacknose sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) from cold coastal waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 21 cm and has a stocky body with a large, broad head, no scales and broad pectoral fins. A row of bony plates runs along the back. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks, sand and weed and ambushes small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blacknose sculpin?

The Blacknose sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Blacknose sculpin live?

The Blacknose sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan, Russia, Alaska

How big does the Blacknose sculpin get?

The Blacknose sculpin grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Blacknose sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Blacknose 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.

More photos

Blacknose sculpin (Icelus canaliculatus) — Cottidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — AnonymousUnknown author (Public domain) [illustratie/foto]
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Blacknose sculpin sourced
Scientific name
Icelus canaliculatus
Family
Cottidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1005.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Russia, Alaska sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
9.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Icelus

More from the family Cottidae

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