Fin's Fish Guide
The Fourspine sculpin (Cottus hangiongensis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cottidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Japanese river sculpin is a sculpin from the northwest Pacific, along Japan and Korea. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky body with a broad head and large pectoral fins. It is amphidromous: the larvae grow up at sea and then return to fresh water. As a bottom-dweller it stays among stones in clear, fast-flowing streams and hunts aquatic insects and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fourspine sculpin?
The Fourspine sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Broad head and large pectoral fins; amphidromous (larvae at sea)
Where does the Fourspine sculpin live?
The Fourspine sculpin lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Pacific
How big does the Fourspine sculpin get?
The Fourspine sculpin grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Fourspine sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Fourspine 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 Fourspine sculpin edible?
The Fourspine sculpin is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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
Want the complete picture on the Fourspine sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fourspine sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.