Scientific Name:
Oligocottus maculosus
Description
Tidepool Sculpins are common small fish found in pools found in the intertidal zone of rocky coasts. They grow to 8 cm (3 inches) in length.
Behaviors
Tidepool Sculpins dart from one hiding place to another. A predator, sculpins feed on invertebrates such as isopods, barnacles, insects and other small creatures in the tide pools as well as small bits of algae.
Fun Facts
When the seas are rough, sculpins can leave the water to seek refuge on the shore breathing air, exchanging both oxygen and carbon dioxide, while hiding in a damp spot. and it attempts to evade predators by flapping about or wriggling in an effort to reach a more favourable location.
Nature Topics
Photo by Karen Wagner
Photo by Susan Lambert
Photo by Karen Wagner