Fin's Fish Guide
The Red Irish lord (Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Description
The red Irish lord is a large sculpin from the northern Pacific, along the coasts of North America and Asia. The species grows to about 51 cm and has a stocky body with a large, knobbly head and a red, white and brown mottled colour pattern that lets it blend in perfectly among rocks and weed. As an ambush hunter it rests on the bottom and snaps at crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red Irish lord?
The Red Irish lord has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Knobbly head and marbled camouflage; ambush-hunting sculpin
Where does the Red Irish lord live?
The Red Irish lord lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific
How big does the Red Irish lord get?
The Red Irish lord grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.
Is the Red Irish lord dangerous to humans?
No, the Red Irish lord 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 Red Irish lord edible?
The Red Irish lord is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemilepidotus
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 Red Irish lord is one of 12,519 species in the app.