Sailfin sculpin
📖 Overview
Occurs inshore and to 110 m depth, mostly on rocky bottoms and areas with algae . Nocturnal . May be found upside down against roofs of crevices . Swims with its dorsal fin extended in front of its head . Eggs deposited in late winter or spring .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 30; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 18 - 20. Caudal fin rounded, directed upward . Color variable, gray above with dark markings and obscure dusky bands, paler below; spinous dorsal darker; other fins except pelvic fins diagonally streaked darker; sometimes red flecks on rayed dorsal and on eyes; a very distinct black band running diagonally down and back through eye . A recognizable variant occurs in Knight Inlet, British Columbia - the first caudal fin is dominated by the II, III, I rather than the first four spines and the whole fin is frail and when removed from fluid appears more like a mast than a sail .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sailfin sculpin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 110 m . Temperate; 66°N - 34°N
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Sailfin 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 Sailfin sculpin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sailfin 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)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | sailfin sculpin |
| 🌍CES | špičatička plachtoploutvá |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Sejlfinnet ulk |
| 🇫🇷French | chabot à grand voile · chabot à grande voile |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Тихоокеанский бычок-парусник |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blepsias oculofasciatus | Girard | 1858 | Synonym |
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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