Spotfin sculpin
📖 Overview
Spotfin sculpin (Icelinus tenuis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cottidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 14 cm. It occurs at depths between 33 and 373 metres. With a trophic level of 3.6, it is a mid-level predator. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 19; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 13 - 17; Vertebrae: 37. Caudal fin bluntly rounded. Pelvic fins small.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spotfin sculpin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 33 - 373 m . Subtropical; 54°N - central Baja California, Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
shrimps (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Spotfin sculpin is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Spotfin sculpin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Spotfin sculpin has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarandichthys tenuis | Gilbert | 1890 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Spotfin sculpin ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.