Tidepool sculpin (Oligocottus maculosus)

Image source: Alex Bairstow | inaturalist.org
General data
- Main name: Tidepool sculpin
- Climates: Temperate, Subpolar
- Habitat: Saltwater
- Native: North America, Asia
- Distribution: Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska
Classification
- Genus: Oligocottus - Oligocottus
- Family: Cottidae - Cottids
- Order: Scorpaeniformes - Mail-cheeked fishes
- Class: Teleostei - Ray-finned fishes
- Superclass: Osteichthyes - Bony fishes
Description
The tidepool sculpin is found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean from the Bering Sea to southern California. Its depth range is from the intertidal zone down to about 100 m (330 ft). It is tolerant of both brackish water and normal seawater. It is found higher up the shore and is more tolerant of warmer water than other species of sculpin such as the fluffy sculpin.