Shortmast sculpin (Nautichthys robustus)

Scientific name: Nautichthys robustus Peden, 1970

The Shortmast sculpin (Nautichthys robustus) is a marine fish of the family Hemitripteridae. Native range: North Pacific, Attu Island, Alaska to northern Washington, USA.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Spinous dorsal short with anterior spines longest; caudal slightly rounded; pectorals rounded, lower 8 rays exserted, middle rays lengthened reaching anal insertion; pelvic fins reaching anus. Color pale brown, lighter ventrally; dark band through eye; eye and cirrus black; dorsal fins speckled, with spinous fin darker; usually 4 dark saddles across back, and dark band at base of caudal fin; posterior edge of caudal darker. Recognizable by having a combination of gill membranes fused to isthmus, strong longitudinal depression in occiput, scales embedded in papillae covering body except in axilla, moderate-sized spinous dorsal, second dorsal with fewer than 22 rays, and a black band through eye.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Nautichthys robustus
Family
Hemitripteridae (Sea ravens or sailfin sculpins)
Order
Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
8.0
Depth range
0–73 m (0–240 ft)
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 73 m
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
North Pacific: Attu Island, Alaska to northern Washington, USA.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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