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Sponge sculpin (Thyriscus anoplus) — Cottidae

Sponge sculpin

Thyriscus anoplus
Family: Cottidae

The Sponge sculpin (Thyriscus anoplus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100.0–800.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Alaska

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Description

The sponge sculpin is a small sculpin (Cottidae) from cold deep waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, brownish body with a large, bony head. As a bottom-dweller it lives on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sponge sculpin?

The Sponge sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Sponge sculpin live?

The Sponge sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Alaska

How big does the Sponge sculpin get?

The Sponge sculpin grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.

Is the Sponge sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Sponge 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Sponge sculpin sourced
Scientific name
Thyriscus anoplus
Family
Cottidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.5 verified
Average length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
100.0 verified
Max depth (m)
800.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Alaska sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
6.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Cottidae

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