How to Identify Prickly Sculpin

To identify Prickly Sculpin (Cottus asper), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Variable, typically mottled brown, olive, or grey dorsally, with lighter ventral surfaces. Irregular dark blotches or saddles are common along the back and sides, providing camouflage against the substrate. Fins are often banded or spotted.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Broad, flattened head with large eyes set high on the head., Body tapers significantly towards the caudal fin., Skin covered in numerous small, embedded prickles (ctenoid scales modified into dermal ossifications), giving a rough texture., Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed., Large, fan-like pectoral fins.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 7-10 spines, the second with 16-20 soft rays. The two fins are typically separated or barely joined.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin, with 11-13 rays.

Pectoral fin

Large and broad, with 14-17 rays, extending well past the origin of the anal fin.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 3-4 soft rays. Anal fin has 12-16 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Prickly Skin

   The most distinguishing feature is the rough, prickly skin due to numerous small, embedded dermal ossifications. This can be felt by gently running a finger along the body from tail to head.

2. 2

   Head Shape

   Possesses a noticeably broad and flattened head, wider than the body, with large, dorsally-placed eyes.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Two distinct dorsal fins, with the first (spiny) being shorter than the second (soft-rayed). The separation between them is usually clear.

4. 4

   Pectoral Fins

   Large, fan-like pectoral fins that are often mottled or banded.

5. 5

   Preopercular Spine

   Typically has a single, sharp preopercular spine, which may be simple or slightly branched, located on the operculum (gill cover).

Explore Prickly Sculpin