Cottidae
Cottidae is a family of mostly marine fish, with a few freshwater species, commonly called sculpins. This family is in the order Scorpaeniformes, and contains around 200 species classified into 40 genera. Sculpins are generally small fish, with most species being less than 30 centimeters in length. They are found in the northern hemisphere, primarily in cold, temperate, and arctic waters, with a few species found in warmer waters, such as those of the Mediterranean Sea.
Characteristics
Cottidae species have distinctive features, including a large, flattened head with a spiny dorsal fin, a large mouth, and a prominent, often thorny preopercle (the bone in front of the gill cover). They also possess a unique swim bladder structure, which helps them maintain buoyancy in water.
Many cottids have a distinctive "sculpin" appearance, characterized by a flattened body with a large head and a prominent mouth. The dorsal fin is often divided into two parts: a spiny anterior part and a soft posterior part. The pectoral fins are often large and fan-shaped, and the pelvic fins are located on the throat.
The colors and patterns of sculpins vary widely, with some species being camouflaged to blend into their surroundings, while others are brightly colored. Some sculpins have the ability to change color to match their environment, making them difficult to spot.
Environment
Cottidae species can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, kelp forests, and estuaries. They are often found in shallower waters, but some species can live at depths of over 1000 meters.
The vast majority of cottids are bottom-dwelling fish, and are often found lurking under rocks or in crevices. Some sculpins are more active, and can be seen swimming in the water column, or even jumping out of the water.
Most sculpins are carnivores and eat a variety of invertebrates, including worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. Some species are also known to eat small fish.
Common Names
Cottidae species are commonly known as sculpins. They are also referred to by other names depending on the specific species, including:
- Sea scorpion
- Bullhead
- Cottus
- Poacher
- Snailfish
- Greenling
- Slimy sculpin
- Spiny sculpin