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Buffalo sculpin (Enophrys bison) — Cottidae

Buffalo sculpin

Enophrys bison
Family: Cottidae

The Buffalo sculpin (Enophrys bison) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 37 cm.

Length
37 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–20.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The buffalo sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) from the northeastern Pacific off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 37 cm and has a large, broad, bony head with stout head spines and a backward-tapering body. It is common in shallow rocky and sandy areas along the coast. It feeds mainly on algae, supplemented with shrimps, crabs, amphipods, mussels and small fishes. The male guards the eggs laid on rocks. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Buffalo sculpin?

The Buffalo sculpin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Buffalo sculpin live?

The Buffalo sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Buffalo sculpin get?

The Buffalo sculpin grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.

Is the Buffalo sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Buffalo sculpin is harmless to humans.

Is the Buffalo sculpin edible?

The Buffalo sculpin is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Buffeldonderpad sourced
English name
Buffalo sculpin verified
Scientific name
Enophrys bison
Family
Cottidae
Other names
Buffalo sculpin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
37.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Enophrys

More from the family Cottidae

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