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Roughspine sculpin (Triglops macellus) — Cottidae

Roughspine sculpin

Triglops macellus
Family: Cottidae

The Roughspine sculpin (Triglops macellus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cottidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
18.0–350.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Roughspine sculpin is a sculpin (Cottidae) from cold rocky and sandy water of the cold northern Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a stocky body with a broad, flattened head, large pectoral fins and a scaleless or plated skin. As a bottom-dweller it lies motionless among stones and, as an ambush predator, seizes small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Roughspine sculpin?

The Roughspine sculpin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Roughspine sculpin live?

The Roughspine sculpin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Roughspine sculpin get?

The Roughspine sculpin grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Roughspine sculpin dangerous to humans?

No, the Roughspine sculpin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ribbel-donderpad sourced
English name
Roughspine sculpin sourced
Scientific name
Triglops macellus
Family
Cottidae
Other names
Roughspine sculpin verified

Appearance

Max length (cm)
21 inferred
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
18.0 verified
Max depth (m)
350.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Triglops

More from the family Cottidae

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