Species profile
Pacific Staghorn Sculpin
Leptocottus armatus
At a glance
Pacific Staghorn Sculpin (Leptocottus armatus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 2,016 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with British Columbia, California, and Washington the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Named for its branched, antler-like preopercular spines jutting from both sides of the head.
- Unusually euryhaline, it thrives in freshwater, brackish estuaries, and full-salinity seawater.
- Adults can reach up to 18 inches (46 cm) in length.
- Ranges from Alaska to Baja California in bays, estuaries, and tidal flats.
- A notorious bait-stealer, frequently hooked by anglers targeting other species.
Where Pacific Staghorn Sculpin are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Pacific Staghorn Sculpin
Background
The Pacific staghorn sculpin, Leptocottus armatus, is a common sculpin (Cottidae) found in shallow coastal waters along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California. The sole member of its genus, it is unusual for having spined antler-like projections on its gill covers; it can raise the projections as a defense mechanism.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Pacific Staghorn Sculpin article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.