Clinocottus
Clinocottus is a genus of fish in the family Cottidae, commonly known as sculpins. This genus is found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to California. They are generally small, bottom-dwelling fish with a distinctive flattened body shape and large heads.
Common Names
Members of the genus Clinocottus are commonly called "sculpins". Some species have more specific names, including:
- Clinocottus analis: "Tidepool sculpin"
- Clinocottus embryum: "Mosshead sculpin"
- Clinocottus globiceps: "Sharphead sculpin"
- Clinocottus recalvus: "Smoothhead sculpin"
- Clinocottus sabrosus: "Brown sculpin"
Characteristics
Clinocottus sculpins share several key characteristics:
- Flattened body shape: They are dorsoventrally compressed, meaning they are flat from top to bottom.
- Large head: Their heads are proportionally large compared to their bodies.
- Small size: Most species reach a maximum length of about 15 cm.
- Spiny fins: They have spiny dorsal fins and pelvic fins.
- Varied coloration: They can range in color from brown to red to green, often with spots or stripes.
Environments
Clinocottus sculpins are found in a variety of marine habitats, including:
- Intertidal zones: They are commonly found in rocky tide pools and along the shoreline.
- Subtidal zones: They can also be found in deeper waters, down to about 100 meters.
- Kelp forests: Some species inhabit kelp forests, where they find shelter and food.
References
For more information on Clinocottus, you can consult the following websites: