Rhamphocottus richardsonii Günther, 1874
Grunt sculpin
photo by Nichols, J.

Family:  Rhamphocottidae (Grunt sculpins)
Max. size:  8.9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 165 m
Distribution:  North Pacific: Japan to Alaska and at least Santa Monica Bay, southern California, USA.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 6-7. Caudal fin well rounded.
Biology:  Inhabits intertidal areas and to 165 m depth, in tide pools and rocky areas but also sand bottoms (Ref. 2850). Frequently observed taking shelter in empty shells, including those of the giant barnacle, Balanus nubilis, and discarded bottles and cans (Ref. 48784). Young feed on zooplankton and invertebrate and fish larvae; adults feed also feed on crustaceans (Ref. 28499). May use its pectoral fins to crawl over rocks and seaweed (Ref. 6885).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 December 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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