Fusiform sculpin

Abyssocottus subulatus

Not Evaluated Freshwater

Max Length

14.0 cm

Max Weight

0.05 kg

Color

Pale gray to brownish-gray streamlined …

Depth Range

400-600m

Family

Cottidae

About

A fusiform-bodied deep-water sculpin from Lake Baikal, with a more streamlined profile than other Abyssocottus species. Endemic to the lake's deep zones; part of a remarkable endemic sculpin radiation.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	14.0 cm
Maximum Weight	0.05 kg
Depth Range	400-600m

Coloration

Pale gray to brownish-gray streamlined sculpin body with a more fusiform shape than congeners; sparse dark dorsal speckling; Lake Baikal deep-water endemic; belly pale whitish; fins clear to pale gray.

Habitat & Distribution

Deep, cold waters of Lake Baikal (200-800m). Freshwater abyssal habitat with stable cold temperatures (~4°C) and high oxygen. Endemic to this ancient rift lake.

Water Type

Freshwater

Depth Range

400-600m

Geographic Range

{# Distribution Map — SVG world map highlighting countries where the fish is found. Expects: distribution_country_codes (JSON array of ISO alpha-2 codes) #}

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

A streamlined deep-water sculpin from Lake Baikal; not consumed. Adapted to deep, cold lacustrine conditions; part of Baikal's unique endemic sculpin radiation with no food use.

Taxonomy

Order	Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes)
Family	Cottidae (Sculpins)
Species	Abyssocottus subulatus

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Fusiform sculpin?

A streamlined deep-water sculpin from Lake Baikal; not consumed. Adapted to deep, cold lacustrine conditions; part of Baikal's unique endemic sculpin radiation with no food use.

How big does Fusiform sculpin get?

Fusiform sculpin can grow up to 14.0 cm long and weigh 0.05 kg.

Where is Fusiform sculpin found?

Restricted to Lake Baikal, southeastern Siberia, Russia, inhabiting the deep-water zone from 200 to 600 m. One of the Cottoidei adaptive radiation species unique to Baikal, where it lives on cold rocky and muddy benthic substrates. Deep, cold waters of Lake Baikal (200-800m). Freshwater abyssal habitat with stable cold temperatures (~4°C) and high oxygen. Endemic to this ancient rift lake.

What family does Fusiform sculpin belong to?

Fusiform sculpin (Abyssocottus subulatus) belongs to the family Cottidae (Sculpins) in the order Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes).