Oligocottus maculosus Girard, 1856
Tidepool sculpin
Oligocottus maculosus
photo by Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish.

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  8.9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 102 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  North Pacific: Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea to Los Angeles County, USA, but records west of the Gulf of Alaska doubtful.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Caudal fin rounded; .
Biology:  A resident intertidal species with homing behavior (Ref. 32612), found in sheltered areas and common in tide pools (Ref. 2850). In areas with rough surf, it occurs in higher, more sheltered places (Ref. 2850). Can leave tide pools when aquatic conditions become inhospitable (Ref. 31184). Shows a tendency to return to its home pool if displaced (Ref. 6885). Breathes air when out of water (Ref. 31184).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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