The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sculpins

Potomac Sculpin, Cottus girardi

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large broad head, large terminal mouth
ï¿½	Eye is high on head
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	Mottled or black-banded first dorsal fin
ï¿½	Mottled chin
ï¿½	Narrow or moderate saddles across the back
ï¿½	Dorsal fins are moderately or broadly united
ï¿½	Tail fin is occasionally rounded in nuptial males

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi)
ï¿½	Banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae)
ï¿½	Slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 45-95 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Clear, moderate-gradient creeks, streams, small rivers
ï¿½	Tolerant of warm water 

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Occupies all major parts of the Potomac drainage
ï¿½	May be native to the James drainage - may have migrated into Potomac drainage

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Feed on benthic aquatic insect larvae, amphipods, crayfish, snails, other invertebrates, and fantail darters

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Males mature after the first year, females by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning occurs late winter to early spring in water that is 6-16ï¿½C
ï¿½	Nest cavities are created by adhering clusters of eggs to objects to form a cavity
ï¿½	Fecundity is not known, although one female had 134 mature eggs

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	In early studies, C. girardi was confused with C. bairdi - the two have now been separated

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

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