Fin's Fish Guide
The Pit-head sculpin (Icelinus cavifrons) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The pit-head sculpin is a small sculpin from the eastern Pacific, off the coast of California. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender body with a large head bearing a conspicuous pit on the crown and rows of small spinelets along the back. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf, between about 11 and 91 metres, and hunts small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pit-head sculpin?
The Pit-head sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Pit on the crown and small dorsal spines; small bottom-dwelling sculpin
Where does the Pit-head sculpin live?
The Pit-head sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Pit-head sculpin get?
The Pit-head sculpin grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Pit-head sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Pit-head 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.
Is the Pit-head sculpin edible?
The Pit-head sculpin is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Pit-head sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pit-head sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Icelinus
More from the family Cottidae
Want the complete picture on the Pit-head sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pit-head sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.