Icelinus filamentosus Gilbert, 1890
Threadfin sculpin
photo by Butler, J.

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  27 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 18 - 800 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Chirikof Island in the western Gulf of Alaska to Point Loma and Cortez Bank, southern California, USA.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-18; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 13-15. Caudal fin fanned out, bluntly rounded; pelvic fins small, extending about one-third distance to anal origin (Ref. 6885). Color olive green to light brown on dorsal surface, creamy yellow to light brown on ventral surface, 4 dark saddles across back, bars of dark blotches on all fins except pelvic and anal fins; sometimes dusky along margin of anal fin; males sometimes variously blotched with orange to red; silvery areas anterior to and behind base of pectorals (Ref. 6885).
Biology:  Commonly found on sand and mud bottoms (Ref. 2850). Feeds on crustaceans, including shrimps and isopods (Ref. 6885).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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