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Grunt sculpin (Rhamphocottus richardsonii) — Rhamphocottidae

Grunt sculpin

Rhamphocottus richardsonii
LC · Least Concern

The Grunt sculpin (Rhamphocottus richardsonii) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhamphocottidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–165.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northeast Pacific; intertidal zone to ~165 m.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The grunt sculpin is a grunt sculpin (Rhamphocottidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species is small and has a stocky, deep body with a long, pointed snout and large, wing-like pectoral fins on which it crawls over the bottom in hopping movements. It inhabits the intertidal zone to about one hundred and sixty-five metres depth, in tide pools, rocky areas and on sand bottom. It feeds on small crustaceans and other small bottom life. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Grunt sculpin?

The Grunt sculpin has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Long pointed snout and large pectoral fins on which it hops over the bottom; small intertidal fish.

Where does the Grunt sculpin live?

The Grunt sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; intertidal zone to ~165 m.

How big does the Grunt sculpin get?

The Grunt sculpin grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Grunt sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Grunt sculpin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Grunt sculpin edible?

The Grunt sculpin is not usually eaten.

More photos

Grunt sculpin (Rhamphocottus richardsonii) — Rhamphocottidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Wendy Feltham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Grunt sculpin verified
Scientific name
Rhamphocottus richardsonii
Family
Rhamphocottidae
Other names
Grunt sculpin; Grunt-fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.9 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-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
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
165.0 verified
Natural range
Northeast Pacific; intertidal zone to ~165 m. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans and other small benthic life sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Long pointed snout and large pectoral fins on which it hops over the bottom; small intertidal fish. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

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