Sculpin Family - Cottidae
| Most members of the Sculpin family are salt water fish, but species from the genus Cottus live in the fresh waters of Utah. All can be identified by their enlarged flattened heads, fan like pectoral fins, absence of true scales, eyes placed high on the head, two dorsal fins, a lack of spines in the anal fin, and thoracic pelvic fins with one embedded spine and three or four soft rays. They are sometimes called 'blobs', or 'bullheads' because of their large heads. They live on the bottom under rocks, in lakes and streams. Sculpin prefer cool to cold water, and spawn in the spring. They are of value as forage for larger game fish and as bait. | |