Fin's Fish Guide
The Margined sculpin (Cottus marginatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The margined sculpin is a small freshwater sculpin (Cottidae) from the northwestern United States, in the Columbia drainage of Washington and Oregon. The species reaches about 13 cm and has a stocky body with a broad head and a brown, mottled camouflage pattern. It inhabits gravel and rubble riffles of clear creeks and small rivers, where it lies in ambush on the bottom for aquatic insect larvae and small invertebrates. Through its sensitivity to habitat loss and water pollution the species is assessed by the IUCN as near threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Margined sculpin?
The Margined sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bottom-dweller of gravel-rich riffles; near threatened (NT) by habitat change.
Where does the Margined sculpin live?
The Margined sculpin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwestern USA, in the Columbia river basin (Washington, Oregon).
How big does the Margined sculpin get?
The Margined sculpin grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Margined sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Margined sculpin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Margined sculpin edible?
The Margined sculpin is not usually 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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Margined sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.