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Fringed sculpin (Icelinus fimbriatus) — Cottidae

Fringed sculpin

Icelinus fimbriatus
Family: Cottidae

The Fringed sculpin (Icelinus fimbriatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
19 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
50.0–265.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Canada, USA

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Description

The fringed sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) from cooler coastal waters of the northeast Pacific, off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender body with a spiny head, small skin fringes (cirri) and a scaleless, brown-mottled skin. As a bottom-dweller it perches on sand and gravel bottoms and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fringed sculpin?

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

Where does the Fringed sculpin live?

The Fringed sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Canada, USA

How big does the Fringed sculpin get?

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

Is the Fringed sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Fringed 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fringed sculpin sourced
Scientific name
Icelinus fimbriatus
Family
Cottidae
Other names
Fringed sculpin; Frogmouth sculpin verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
50.0 verified
Max depth (m)
265.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Canada, USA 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
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 Icelinus

More from the family Cottidae

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