Rhamphocottus richardsonii
only member of the fish family Rhamphocottidae
Description: Cute! Large head with an elongated snout; stocky body, covered with prickles; lower bright orange/yellow pectoral rays free of membrane.
Color: Cream colored body with brown spots and patterns, White and orange banded tail. Bright orange/yellow tail fin and pectoral fins.
Size: Very small. Length only up to 8cm! A lot of divers miss these, so you have to go SLOW!
Habitat: Grunt sculpin hide in small shelters, including empty giant barnacle casings and even discarded cans and bottles.
Behavior: When they venture out they often "crawl" along the bottom using their long bright orange/yellow pectoral fin rays. They move so erratically, they'll almost appear flitting around like a bumble bee. Aquarium observations have revealed the mating habits of this species: the aggressive female chases a male until he is cornered among the rocks, and keeps him trapped while she lays her eggs. Grunt sculpin feed on crustaceans, fish larvae, and zooplankton. This neat little fish is widespread and moderately common in Puget Sound, but can be elusive.
Range: Grunt Sculpins are native to temperate coastal waters of the North Pacific, from Japan to Alaska and south to California.
Depth: It is primarily a coastal species most often found in shallow water along rocky beaches, but it has been observed at depths up to nearly 600' (the Photic Zone).
Interesting Fact: The common name is inspired by the grunting noise this fish makes when removed from water.
Don't take it from the water!
Grunt Sculpin Photo © Ken Blauvelt, All Rights Reserved
