The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sculpins

Clinch Sculpin, Cottus sp.

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large broad head, large terminal mouth
ï¿½	Eye is high on head
ï¿½	Short snout
ï¿½	Chin usually unmottled
ï¿½	Anteriorly rounded body, compressed posteriorly
ï¿½	First dorsal fin has a short base, second has a long base
ï¿½	Large, fan-like pectoral fin
ï¿½	Dorsal fins not connected
ï¿½	Tail fin slightly rounded 
ï¿½	Body tan to olive-colored
ï¿½	Upper lip may be pale red
ï¿½	Bold, dark-colored saddles across the back

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae)
ï¿½	Black sculpin (Cottus baileyi)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 50-80 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Large gravel, rubble, and boulders, avoids heavily silted areas 

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Endemic to the upper Clinch system in the Tennessee drainage
	
Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insect larvae

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning occurs February to March at 7.8-14.4ï¿½C
ï¿½	Males create cavities under rocks
ï¿½	Position their bodies so that they are on their backs under the rocks when the gametes are released
ï¿½	Fecundity is 73-312 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	May be a candidate for conservation status because of its restricted range, but the populations are doing well

References:       

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

Mottled Sculpin

Black Sculpin

Slimy Sculpin

Bluestone Sculpin

Banded Sculpin

Potomac Sculpin

Holston Sculpin

Clinch Sculpin

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