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Mosshead sculpin (Clinocottus globiceps) — Cottidae

Mosshead sculpin

Clinocottus globiceps
Family: Cottidae

The Mosshead sculpin (Clinocottus globiceps) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
19 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Mosshead sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) from the tidal zone of the northeast Pacific, off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky body with a broad, spiny head, large pectoral fins and a scaleless, brown-green mottled skin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among weed, stones and in tide pools, often strongly camouflaged, and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mosshead sculpin?

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

Where does the Mosshead sculpin live?

The Mosshead sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Mosshead sculpin get?

The Mosshead sculpin grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Mosshead sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Mosshead sculpin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mosskop-donderpad sourced
English name
Mosshead sculpin sourced
Scientific name
Clinocottus globiceps
Family
Cottidae
Other names
Mosshead sculpin verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Clinocottus

More from the family Cottidae

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