Fin's Fish Guide
The Baikal yellowfin (Cottocomephorus grewingkii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cottocomephoridae that grows up to 19 cm.
Endemic to Lake Baikal in Siberia, where it lives semi-pelagically in open water and near rocky shores.
Description
The Baikal yellowfin is a slender, semi-pelagic sculpin of the family Cottocomephoridae reaching about 19 cm and endemic to Lake Baikal. Unlike most sculpins, which live on the bottom, this species swims freely in the open water; the brownish body has large pectoral fins and yellowish fins, to which the name refers. It lives semi-pelagically in the deep lake and near rocky shores and feeds on zooplankton, mainly amphipods, and on fish larvae. In spring it moves to shallow, rocky shores to spawn, where the male guards the clutch laid on stones. The Baikal yellowfin forms an important link in the lake's food web and is prey for the Baikal seal and for commercial fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Baikal yellowfin?
The Baikal yellowfin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender, semi-pelagic sculpin from Lake Baikal with large pectoral fins and yellowish fins; swims freely in open water.
Where does the Baikal yellowfin live?
The Baikal yellowfin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to Lake Baikal in Siberia, where it lives semi-pelagically in open water and near rocky shores.
How big does the Baikal yellowfin get?
The Baikal yellowfin grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Baikal yellowfin dangerous to humans?
No, the Baikal yellowfin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Baikal yellowfin edible?
Yes, the Baikal yellowfin is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Baikal yellowfin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Baikal yellowfin is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cottocomephorus
More from the family Cottocomephoridae
Want the complete picture on the Baikal yellowfin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Baikal yellowfin is one of 12,519 species in the app.