Fin's Fish Guide
The Purplegray sculpin (Gymnocanthus detrisus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 29 cm.
North Pacific, with the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk, on sandy, gravel and stony bottoms of cold, moderately deep to deep water.
Description
The purplegray sculpin is a stocky cold-water sculpin of the family Cottidae reaching about 29 cm. Characteristic are the large, broad head with spines on the gill covers and the broad, fan-shaped pectoral fins with which the fish presses against the bottom; the body has a purple-grey tint with a marbled pattern. The species is adapted to cold water and lives on sand, gravel and stone bottoms of the northern Pacific, including the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk, from moderate to deep water. As an ambush predator it seizes small crustaceans, worms and molluscs from the bottom. The male guards the clutch laid on the bottom. Locally it comes up as bycatch, but it has little commercial importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Purplegray sculpin?
The Purplegray sculpin has an irregular in shape body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a marbled pattern. Stocky cold-water sculpin with a large, broad head, head spines and fan-shaped pectoral fins; a purplish-grey tint over the body.
Where does the Purplegray sculpin live?
The Purplegray sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific, with the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk, on sandy, gravel and stony bottoms of cold, moderately deep to deep water.
How big does the Purplegray sculpin get?
The Purplegray sculpin grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.
Is the Purplegray sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Purplegray sculpin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Purplegray sculpin edible?
The Purplegray sculpin is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Gymnocanthus
More from the family Cottidae
Want the complete picture on the Purplegray sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Purplegray sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.