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Herzenstein's sculpin (Asprocottus herzensteini) — Abyssocottidae

Herzenstein's sculpin

Asprocottus herzensteini

The Herzenstein's sculpin (Asprocottus herzensteini) is a freshwater fish of the family Abyssocottidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
22.0–887.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Europe: Russia

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Description

Herzenstein's sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) endemic to Lake Baikal in Siberia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, brown-mottled body with a large, bony head, adapted to the cold, deep lake water. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and stony bottoms and snaps at small crustaceans, especially the lake's endemic amphipods, and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Herzenstein's sculpin?

The Herzenstein's sculpin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Herzenstein's sculpin live?

The Herzenstein's sculpin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Europe: Russia

How big does the Herzenstein's sculpin get?

The Herzenstein's sculpin grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Herzenstein's sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Herzenstein's 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
Herzenstein's sculpin sourced
Scientific name
Asprocottus herzensteini
Family
Abyssocottidae
Other names
Rough sculpin; Herzenstein's rough sculpin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
22.0 verified
Max depth (m)
887.0 verified
Natural range
Europe: Russia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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
Fin

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