Stone sculpin
| Stone sculpin | |
|---|---|
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Scorpaeniformes |
| Family: | Cottocomephoridae |
| Genus: | Paracottus Taliev, 1949 |
| Species: | P. knerii |
| Binomial name | |
| Paracottus knerii (Dybowski, 1874) | |
The stone sculpin (Paracottus knerii) is a species of cottoid fish endemic to Russia, where it is found in Lake Baikal and surrounding tributaries as well as the Gramninskie Lakes, Lake Verkhnaya Agata and the Enisei River and various lakes in Tuva. This species is the only recognized member of its genus.[1]
It is often eaten by the Baikal seal, especially in the autumn.[2]
Appearance
Maximum total length of the stone sculpin is 14.4 cm (5.7 in),[1] but most are 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in).[3] Its colour varies from olive to brown or grey, and it has several dark spots and bands.[3]
Habitat
The stone sculpin is most common in the southern part of Lake Baikal and prefers areas with a stony bottom,[3] but may also occur over sand.[1] It is typically found from shallow water to a depth of 50 m (160 ft), but can occur to 100 m (330 ft).[3]
Behavior
The stone sculpin breeds in the late spring and summer in water that is 6–10 °C (43–50 °F),[3] and up to 1.5 m (5 ft) deep.[1] The female lays 200–700 eggs in a crevice under a stone, which are guarded by the male and hatch after about one month.[1][3] This sculpin feeds on small animals such as copepods and amphipods.[3]
References