Cottidae

views updated May 18 2018

Cottidae (sculpin, father lasher; subclass Actinopterygii, order Scorpaeniformes) A very large family of marine and freshwater fish, all of which have a bony support beneath the eye, and the eyes placed high on the head. There is a deep notch between the two dorsal fins, and the large pectorals are wing-like. Most sculpins are found in inshore situations; some species (e.g. Gymnocanthus tricuspis, staghorn sculpin) live in cold polar waters. Myoxocephalus scorpius (father lasher), of the N. Atlantic, is a voracious predator but is used as a source of bait and fishmeal. There are about 300 species, widespread in non-tropical regions. See also PSYCHROLUTIDAE.

sculpin

views updated May 23 2018

scul·pin / ˈskəlpən/ • n. a chiefly marine fish (Cottidae and related families) of the northern hemisphere, with a broad flattened head and spiny scales and fins. Many genera and numerous species include the bullheads.

sculpin

views updated May 18 2018

sculpin any of several spiny fishes. XVII. perh. alt. of scorpene — L. scorpæna — Gr. skórpaina, presumably f. skorpios SCORPION.

sculpin

views updated May 29 2018

sculpin See COTTIDAE; ICELIDAE.