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Sailfin sculpin

Nautichthys oculofasciatus
A sailfin sculpin, close up to the camera

Sailfin sculpin

Nautichthys oculofasciatus
Other Common Names
Eye-banded sailor fish
At the Aquarium
Rocky Coast
Other Common Names
Eye-banded sailor fish

At the Aquarium

Rocky Coast

Appearance

This fish is named for its sail, which consists of 4-5 elongated rays of the first dorsal fin. The body can be brown or silvery, with darker gray or black speckling and blotches. They also have a dark band running across each eye and onto the cheeks.

Habitat

Intertidal to subtidal depths of 360 feet in rocky areas, and in kelp and eelgrass beds.

Diet

Primarily eats small crustaceans

Life History

Breed in late winter and early spring. A female will migrate into the intertidal during high-tide and deposit her sticky red or orange eggs in mussel beds. Larvae hatch out at just 0.3 inches long and join the plankton. They settle into a benthic habitat by the time that they reach 1 inch long. Can reach 8 inches in length.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Sailfin sculpins feed their predators, which include cabezons, pigeon guillemots, and tufted puffins
Range
Alaska to California
On the Oregon Coast
Sailfin sculpins can be found in tidepools, but being nocturnal they are unlikely to be seen during the day.
Fun Facts
Sailfin sculpins can either tuck their sail down or have it stand straight up. They use their sail to help them look bigger when threatened and also to help them camouflage. While hiding among algae, the sailfin swaying in the current helps them blend in.

Sailfin sculpins will sometimes hide out in caves alongside a Giant Pacific octopus or wolf-eels.

Citations & Other Resources

Back to All Animals

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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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