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Staghorn Sculpin

Leptocottus armatus

Staghorn Sculpin

Leptocottus armatus
Other Common Names
Pacific Staghorn Sculpin
At the Aquarium
Sandy Coast
Other Common Names
Pacific Staghorn Sculpin

At the Aquarium

Sandy Coast

Appearance

These fish have large and flat heads with small eyes. Their smooth skin is gray-olive on the back, yellow on the sides, and white on the underside. The fins often have barring. These fish are named for the large and branched spine on each operculum, with 3 hooks, which can be raised in defense.

Habitat

Found in shallow coastal waters or in bays and estuaries, usually over sandy or muddy bottoms. Young move up into freshwater in spring and back into the estuary in summer.

Diet

Omnivorous: amphipods, worms, crabs, shrimp, and small fish

Life History

Spawn in salty or brackish water from October to March, with a female releasing 2,000 to 11,000 eggs. It takes about 10 days for the eggs to hatch, with larvae just 0.2 inches long. The larvae spend about 8 weeks as plankton before metamorphosing into the juvenile form. Juveniles may spend some time in freshwater. Maximum length is 18 inches and they rarely live past 3 years.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

These fish feed their predators: larger bony fish, shorebirds, and marine mammals, including seals and sea lions.
Range
Alaska to Baja California, Mexico
On the Oregon Coast
These fish might be caught while recreationally fishing from a pier or encountered while tidepooling.
Fun Facts
Can breathe air for about 6 hours if stranded during low tide. Will often burrow into the sand or mud with just their head exposed.

Citations & Other Resources

  • B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2003. Species Summary: Leptocottus armatus. B.C. Minist. of Environment. Available: https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ (accessed Sep 29, 2024).
  • Biodiversity of the Central Coast website: https://www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/pacific-staghorn-sculpin-bull-leptocottus-armatus.html
  • California Fish Website from US Davis: https://calfish.ucdavis.edu/species/?uid=62&ds=241.%C2%A0
  • California State Water Resources Control Board website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/duke_energy/docs/sampling/staghornsculpin.pdf
  • IUCN Redlist Website: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/202670/18236623#habitat-ecology
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About Oregon Coast Aquarium

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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