Nautichthys oculofasciatus
Cottidae family
Description: Sailfin sculpins have a beautiful lacey–like extremely elongated first dorsal fin that ripples down to long second dorsal and anal fins. The large sailfin at the front of the dorsal fin is an easy ID feature although it can be folded down. They also have an identifying dark bar through the eye joining a dark flap of skin over each eye.
Color: cream or brown.
Size: Up to 8 inches
Habitat: Sailfins live on rocky reefs and outcroppings, and on adjacent sand bottom.
Range: From southern California to Alaska.
Depth: From shallow water down to over 360 ft.
Behavior: Blending in with its surroundings, the sailfin sculpin waves its first dorsal fin back and forth matching time with seaweed movement. This disruptive mimicry of seaweed obscures the movement of the fish and may enable close approach to prey. They slowly approach their prey prior to hopping forward and engulfing them. Nocturnally active, its prey is small invertebrates/crustaceans. During they day they have been known to sling upside down in crevices - look careful to spot one since all you may see is the dorsal fin waving like a piece of seaweed...
Interesting Fact: Larval sailfin sculpins develop extremely elongate pectoral fins that are spread like butterfly wings and used to glide down through the water column while the larva forages on zooplankton. This behavior enables sailfin sculpins to reach relatively large sizes before permanently settling during late spring.
Let us know if you spot one this month!
