Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigmouth sculpin (Hemitripterus bolini) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemitripteridae that grows up to 73 cm.
Description
The bigmouth sculpin is a large sculpin from the northern Pacific, off Alaska and adjacent waters. The species grows to about 73 cm and has a stocky body with a large, broad mouth, knobbly skin and fringes on the head. As a slow bottom-dweller it lives on soft and rocky bottoms of the continental shelf and slope, to about 900 metres, and hunts crustaceans and fish with large gulps. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigmouth sculpin?
The Bigmouth sculpin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Large broad mouth and knobbly skin; slow bottom sculpin
Where does the Bigmouth sculpin live?
The Bigmouth sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific
How big does the Bigmouth sculpin get?
The Bigmouth sculpin grows to a maximum of about 73 cm.
Is the Bigmouth sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigmouth 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.
Is the Bigmouth sculpin edible?
The Bigmouth sculpin is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemitripterus
More from the family Hemitripteridae
Want the complete picture on the Bigmouth sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigmouth sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.