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Pacific Staghorn Sculpin, Leptocottus armatus


		Appearance and Identification: · Typically 12-15TL cm at maturity at age 1 · Large flat head, small eyes, gill covers extend into antler-like projections with 3-4 spines, narrow caudal peduncle · Long jaw extends ahead of eyes and bears significant teeth · Fin rays: pelvic 4, 1^st dorsal 7 spines, 2^nd dorsal 17 rays, anal 17 rays · Smooth skin is grayish olive on back, yellow on sides, white on underside · 1^st dorsal fin has dark splotch on tail end, other fins have bars


Life History:
		The Staghorn Sculpin spend most of their lives in salt and brackish waters, though they are capable of adapting to fresh water as well as extremely saline waters. The larvae begin their lives in the estuary where the spread out onto a soft and sandy substrate. As they develop into juveniles, the young fish depart in many directions including into freshwater. Most fish found in the freshwater or less salty areas are the young juveniles which feed on amphipods, invertebrates, small fish, and aquatic insect larvae. The older Staghorn Sculpins tend to be the farthest upstream, giving way for more young fish to push up from the marine or estuary environments. The marine dwelling fish may follow the tide and have a diet of crabs, shrimp, and fish. Most Sculpins feed actively at night, though they may eat throughout the day. Throughout the west coast spawning occurs in saltwater or brackish water from October to April, though in California the Staghorn Sculpin spawn in January and February.
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	Here's a list of California watersheds where Pacific Staghorn Sculpin may be found. © 2003 - Regents of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Communication Services E-Mail Web Master ANR Non-Discrimination Statement