Fin's Fish Guide
The Bullhead (Cottus asper) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cottidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Western North America; rivers, lakes and estuaries from fresh to brackish water.
Description
The prickly sculpin is a sculpin of the family Cottidae from western North America. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky body with a broad, flattened head, a large mouth and small skin prickles, to which the name refers. As a euryhaline species it inhabits rivers, lakes and estuaries, from fresh to brackish water, on sand, gravel and rock bottoms. As a small bottom predator it often lies motionless among the stones and seizes insect larvae, small crustaceans, fish eggs and small fishes. Sculpins lack a swim bladder and move over the bottom in short hops. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bullhead?
The Bullhead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Broad, flattened head and small skin spines; euryhaline bottom sculpin without a swim bladder.
Where does the Bullhead live?
The Bullhead lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western North America; rivers, lakes and estuaries from fresh to brackish water.
How big does the Bullhead get?
The Bullhead grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Bullhead dangerous to humans?
No, the Bullhead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bullhead edible?
The Bullhead is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cottus
More from the family Cottidae
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