Spinyhead sculpin
📖 Overview
Spinyhead sculpin (Dasycottus setiger), first described by Bean, 1890 is a large fish in the family Psychrolutidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 73.00 cm in maximum length and up to 1.600 kg. Reported lifespan reaches approximately 11 years. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 15 to 850 metres. It occurs in Temperate waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is valued as a game and sport species.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9 - 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14. Caudal slightly rounded. Pectorals with large base carried forward. Pelvic fins small.: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spinyhead sculpin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 15 - 850 m . Temperate; 66°N - 46°N North Pacific: Sea of Japan off Honshu, Japan to Navarin Canyon in the Bering Sea, west to Attu Island in the Aleutian chain and southeast to Washington, USA.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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