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Round-nosed sculpin (Artedius lateralis) — Cottidae

Round-nosed sculpin

Artedius lateralis
Family: Cottidae

The Round-nosed sculpin (Artedius lateralis) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–13.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The smoothhead sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a stocky body with a broad, smooth head and a mottled pattern that camouflages it against the bottom. It is common in the intertidal zone to about thirteen metres depth and can survive briefly out of water under stones. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small crustaceans and other invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Round-nosed sculpin?

The Round-nosed sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Round-nosed sculpin live?

The Round-nosed sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Round-nosed sculpin get?

The Round-nosed sculpin grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Round-nosed sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Round-nosed sculpin is harmless to humans.

Is the Round-nosed sculpin edible?

The Round-nosed sculpin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gladkop-donderpad sourced
English name
Round-nosed sculpin verified
Scientific name
Artedius lateralis
Family
Cottidae
Other names
Smoothhead sculpin; Smooth-head sculpin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
13.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Artedius

More from the family Cottidae

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