The Smoothhead Sculpin, Round-nosed Sculpin, scientifically known as Artedius lateralis, is a fish species belonging to the family Cottidae, commonly known as sculpins. This species is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 14.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
The Artedius lateralis is characterized by its smooth head and round nose, hence its common names. It is a bottom-dwelling fish, inhabiting a variety of depths from the intertidal zone to the shelf edge, typically found at depths ranging from 0.0 to 13.0 meters. Its body is typically brown to reddish-brown in color, often with darker blotches or spots.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Smoothhead Sculpin, Round-nosed Sculpin, Artedius lateralis, is a common inhabitant of the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. It is considered a neritic species, meaning it inhabits waters over the continental shelf. This species prefers areas with rocky bottoms and abundant algae, providing them with both shelter and food sources.
Taxonomy
The species Artedius lateralis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Cottidae. The Teleostei class includes most of the bony fishes, while the Perciformes order represents the largest group of fish, encompassing diverse species like perch, bass, and tuna. The family Cottidae, to which Artedius lateralis belongs, comprises the sculpins, a diverse group of fish known for their often-spiny bodies and bottom-dwelling lifestyles.
Feeding
The Smoothhead Sculpin, Round-nosed Sculpin, Artedius lateralis, exhibits an omnivorous diet, meaning it consumes both plant and animal matter. Its food sources consist of algae, crustaceans, schrimps, snails, worms, and zoobenthos, which are small organisms that live on or in the seabed. This diverse diet showcases the adaptability of Artedius lateralis to the various resources available within its habitat.
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