Species profile
Pacific Staghorn Sculpin
Leptocottus armatus
Identify Pacific Staghorn Sculpin (Leptocottus armatus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
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
Frequently asked questions
What is Pacific Staghorn Sculpin?
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.
What is the scientific name for Pacific Staghorn Sculpin?
Pacific Staghorn Sculpin is Leptocottus armatus.
Is Pacific Staghorn Sculpin regulated for fishing?
Yes — Pacific Staghorn Sculpin has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Pacific Staghorn Sculpin?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Pacific Staghorn Sculpin along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.