Fin's Fish Guide
The Rhine sculpin (Cottus rhenanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The Rhine sculpin is a very rare, small bottom fish of the family Cottidae reaching about 12 cm. It closely resembles the Chabot bullhead: a broad, flattened head, large mouth, large pectoral fins, separate pelvic fins and brown to grey skin with dark cross bands. Only in fish up to 6 cm can they be told apart: the Rhine sculpin has smooth flanks, the Chabot bullhead rough prickles. The species lives only in small, fast-flowing streams with gravel and stones. In the Netherlands it occurs only in the Geul and its tributaries and in the Aa-strang. It is protected and listed as sensitive on the Dutch Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rhine sculpin?
The Rhine sculpin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small bottom fish with a broad, flat head, large pectoral fins and separate pelvic fins; unlike the Chabot bullhead, young fish have smooth flanks.
Where does the Rhine sculpin live?
The Rhine sculpin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Small, fast-flowing streams in the Rhine and Meuse basins.
How big does the Rhine sculpin get?
The Rhine sculpin grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Rhine sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Rhine sculpin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rhine sculpin edible?
The Rhine sculpin is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Rhine sculpin and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cottus
More from the family Cottidae
Want the complete picture on the Rhine sculpin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rhine sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone