Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallspine hookear sculpin (Artediellus miacanthus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Northwest Pacific around the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea, on stone bottoms in cold water.
Description
The smallspine hookear sculpin is a small, stocky cold-water sculpin of the family Cottidae reaching about 8 cm. Characteristic are the large, broad head with spines (in the hookear sculpins often a curved spine on the gill cover) and the broad, fan-shaped pectoral fins with which the fish presses against the bottom. The brown-mottled, partly scaleless body blends well against stones and gravel. The species lives on stone and gravel bottoms of cold water. As an ambush predator it seizes small crustaceans, worms and molluscs from the bottom. The male guards the clutch laid on stones until it hatches. Because of its small size and remote habitat it is rarely seen and has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smallspine hookear sculpin?
The Smallspine hookear sculpin has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, stocky cold-water sculpin with a large, broad head, head spines and fan-shaped pectoral fins; brown marbled for camouflage.
Where does the Smallspine hookear sculpin live?
The Smallspine hookear sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northwest Pacific around the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea, on stone bottoms in cold water.
How big does the Smallspine hookear sculpin get?
The Smallspine hookear sculpin grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Smallspine hookear sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Smallspine hookear sculpin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smallspine hookear sculpin edible?
The Smallspine hookear sculpin is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Artediellus
More from the family Cottidae
Want the complete picture on the Smallspine hookear sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallspine hookear sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.