Blob sculpin
📖 Overview
Blob sculpin (Psychrolutes phrictus), first described by Stein & Bond, 1978 is a large fish in the family Psychrolutidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 70.00 cm in maximum length and up to 9.500 kg. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 500 to 2800 metres. It occurs in Deep-water 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): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 20; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14. Many small cirri scattered on head and body; no preopercular spine; branchiostegal membranes fused to isthmus; peritoneum pale .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blob sculpin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 500 - 2800 m . Deep-water; 72°N - 34°N, 138°E - 121°W North Pacific: Japan (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
sea pens, crabs and mollusks (Ref
📐 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.
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | blob sculpin |
| 🌍CES | tlustohlavec hlavatý |
| 🇫🇷French | Chabot blob · chabot maculé |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Nyudokajika · ニュウドウカジカ |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Белорылый психролют |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | cabeza gorda · chabolito |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 杜父魚 · 變色隱棘杜父魚 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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