The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sculpins

Banded Sculpin, Cottus carolinae

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large broad head, large terminal mouth, short, rounded snout
ï¿½	Eye is high on head
ï¿½	Chin and first dorsal fin mottled 
ï¿½	Narrow, dark bands on the back
ï¿½	Elongate, anteriorly rounded body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	First dorsal fin has a short base, second has a long base
ï¿½	Dorsal fins slightly connected or separate, with no gap between them
ï¿½	Large, fan-like pectoral fin
ï¿½	Tail fin not rounded 
ï¿½	Body gray- or tan-olive colored
ï¿½	First dorsal fin edge pale yellow or orange

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Potomac sculpin (Cottus girardi)
ï¿½	Black sculpin (Cottus baileyi)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 75-110 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Clear, moderate-gradient creeks and streams over gravel, rubble, and boulders
ï¿½	Under cover by day, on top of rocks at night

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	In the Tennessee and New drainages
	
Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Small crustaceans, insects, crayfish, and fish
ï¿½	Feeds mostly at night

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning probably occurs between December and April in water around 9-13ï¿½C
ï¿½	Spawning probably typical of other sculpins
ï¿½	Eggs deposited on underside of rocks and logs in current of creeks
ï¿½	Fecundity was 123 and 150 for two measured specimens

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	The biggest sculpin in eastern and central North America
ï¿½	Some spawn in caves

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):

Mottled Sculpin

Black Sculpin

Slimy Sculpin

Bluestone Sculpin

Banded Sculpin

Potomac Sculpin

Holston Sculpin

Clinch Sculpin

Continue Browsing Families.....