Virtual Aquarium Home
Mottled Sculpin
Mottled Sculpin,  Cottus bairdi

 
Physical Description: 
�	Large broad head, large terminal mouth
�	Eye high on head
�	Short snout
�	Anteriorly rounded body, compressed posteriorly
�	First dorsal fin has a short base, second has a long base
�	First dorsal fin often blackened
�	Large, fan-like pectoral fin
�	Unmottled chin
�	Dorsal fins slightly connected
�	Tail fin rounded 
�	Body tan or olive-colored

Similar species: 
�	Banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae)
�	Slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 50-80 mm standard length 

Habitat:
�	Cool, clear, moderate and high-gradient creeks, streams, and small rivers
�	Tolerant of warm water
�	Found in stony shallows of lakes

Distribution in VA:
�	Blue Ridge in the Atlantic slope drainages, New, and Tennessee drainages

Food Habits:  
�	Insects, isopods, amphipods, and other invertebrates, rarely fish

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Mature by age 2
�	Spawning occurs in mid-March and April at 5-16�C
�	Nest cavities are usually under rocks, although eggs can be laid anyplace
�	On average, 2-4 females mate with each male
�	Fecundity is 35-406 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Most abundant sculpin in the United States

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):

VAFWIS
Mottled Sculpin
Mottled Sculpin
Black Sculpin
Black Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin
Bluestone Sculpin
Bluestone Sculpin
Banded Sculpin
Banded Sculpin
Potomac Sculpin
Potomac Sculpin
Holston Sculpin
Holston Sculpin
Clinch Sculpin
Clinch Sculpin
Continue Browsing Families.....
  1. Petromyzontidae, Lampreys
  2. Polyodontidae, Paddlefish
  3. Acipenseridae, Sturgeons
  4. Lepisosteidae, Gars
  5. Amiidae, Bowfins
  6. Anguillidae, Freshwater Eels
  7. Amblyopsidae, Cavefishes
  8. Ictaluridae, Catfish
  9. Percopsidae, Trout-Perches
  10. Salmonidae, Trouts
  11. Clupeidae, Herrings
  12. Esocidae, Pikes
  13. Aphredoderidae, Pirate Perches
  14. Umbridae, Mudminnows
  15. Fundulidae, Killifishes
  16. Poeciliidae, Livebearers
  17. Cyprinidae, Minnows
  18. Catostomidae, Suckers
  19. Gasterosteidae, Sticklebacks
  20. Atherinidae, Silversides
  21. Cottidae, Sculpins
  22. Sciaenidae, Drums
  23. Percidae, Perches
  24. Moronidae, Striped Basses
  25. Centrarchidae, Sunfishes

Virtual Aquarium Home