Cottus ricei (Nelson, 1876)
Spoonhead sculpin
photo by Lyons, J.

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  13.4 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; depth range - 137 m
Distribution:  North America: St. Lawrence-Great Lakes and Arctic basins from southern Quebec to the Mackenzie River drainage in Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory and northeastern British Columbia in Canada, and south to northern Ohio and northern Montana in the USA.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits rocky areas of swift creeks and rivers. Also found in lakes. Probably feeds on planktonic crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae (Ref. 1998). Spawning occurs late summer or early fall (Ref. 1998). Forage fish of Salvelinus namaycush and Lota lota found in inland lakes (Ref. 1998).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 November 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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