Fin's Fish Guide
The Stone sculpin (Paracottus knerii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cottocomephoridae that grows up to 14 cm.
Fresh water of Lake Baikal and adjoining rivers in Siberia, on stony and rocky bottoms of shallow to medium-deep water.
Description
The stone sculpin is a stocky freshwater sculpin of the family Cottocomephoridae reaching about 14 cm. Characteristic are the large, broad head and the broad, fan-shaped pectoral fins with which the fish presses against the bottom; the brown-mottled, scaleless body blends well among stones. The species lives on stone and rock bottoms of shallow to moderate water of Lake Baikal and adjacent rivers in Siberia, and is one of the most common bottom fish of the lake. As an ambush predator it seizes insect larvae, small crustaceans such as amphipods and fish eggs. In spring the male guards the eggs laid under a stone until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, but it is an important prey for predatory fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stone sculpin?
The Stone sculpin has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Stocky freshwater sculpin with a large, broad head and fan-shaped pectoral fins; brown marbled for camouflage among stones.
Where does the Stone sculpin live?
The Stone sculpin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of Lake Baikal and adjoining rivers in Siberia, on stony and rocky bottoms of shallow to medium-deep water.
How big does the Stone sculpin get?
The Stone sculpin grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Stone sculpin dangerous to humans?
No, the Stone sculpin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Stone sculpin edible?
The Stone sculpin is not usually eaten.
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All data
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More from the family Cottocomephoridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stone sculpin is one of 12,519 species in the app.