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Uncinate sculpin (Icelus uncinalis) — Cottidae

Uncinate sculpin

Icelus uncinalis
Family: Cottidae

The Uncinate sculpin (Icelus uncinalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
70.0–247.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Alaska

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Description

The uncinate sculpin is a small sculpin (Cottidae) from cold waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a stocky, brownish body with a row of bony platelets bearing hook-like spinelets along the back and flank. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand, gravel and rocky bottoms and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Uncinate sculpin?

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

Where does the Uncinate sculpin live?

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

How big does the Uncinate sculpin get?

The Uncinate sculpin grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Uncinate sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Uncinate 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
Uncinate sculpin sourced
Scientific name
Icelus uncinalis
Family
Cottidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 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)
70.0 verified
Max depth (m)
247.0 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
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

Same genus Icelus

More from the family Cottidae

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