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Filamented sculpin (Icelinus filamentosus) — Cottidae

Filamented sculpin

Icelinus filamentosus
Family: Cottidae
LC · Least Concern

The Filamented sculpin (Icelinus filamentosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
27 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
18.0–800.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The threadfin sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) from the eastern Pacific, from Alaska to Baja California. The species reaches about 27 cm and has an elongate, brown mottled body with a broad head; the front dorsal-fin rays are extended into threads, to which the name refers. It is common on sand and mud bottoms, from shallow water to about 800 m deep. The diet consists of crustaceans, including shrimps and isopods. Through its camouflage pattern and bottom-associated habits the species is little noticed.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Filamented sculpin?

The Filamented sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Filamented sculpin live?

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

How big does the Filamented sculpin get?

The Filamented sculpin grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Filamented sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Filamented sculpin is harmless to humans.

Is the Filamented sculpin edible?

The Filamented sculpin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Draadvin-donderpad sourced
English name
Filamented sculpin verified
Scientific name
Icelinus filamentosus
Family
Cottidae
Other names
Threadfin sculpin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
27.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled 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)
18.0 verified
Max depth (m)
800.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Not 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 Icelinus

More from the family Cottidae

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