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Crested sculpin (Blepsias bilobus) — Hemitripteridae

Crested sculpin

Blepsias bilobus

The Crested sculpin (Blepsias bilobus) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemitripteridae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–250.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Canada, Japan, Russia, Alaska

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Description

The crested sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) from cold coastal waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a laterally compressed, brownish body with conspicuously notched, crest-like dorsal fins and skin fringes that make it disappear among weed. As a bottom-dweller it lives in kelp and weed beds of shallow coastal water and snaps at small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Crested sculpin?

The Crested sculpin has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Crested sculpin live?

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

How big does the Crested sculpin get?

The Crested sculpin grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Crested sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Crested 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.

More photos

Crested sculpin (Blepsias bilobus) — Hemitripteridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) madalynebarnfield, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Crested sculpin sourced
Scientific name
Blepsias bilobus
Family
Hemitripteridae
Other names
Crested sculpin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
250.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Canada, Japan, Russia, Alaska sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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 Blepsias

More from the family Hemitripteridae

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