Cottus perplexus Gilbert & Evermann, 1894
Reticulate sculpin
Cottus perplexus
photo by The Native Fish Conservancy

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: Pacific Slope drainages from Snohomish River and Puget Sound in Washington to Rogue River system in Oregon and California, USA.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Usually inhabits rubble and gravel-bottomed pools and riffles of headwaters, creeks and small rivers, but can shift to other habitats depending on the environmental conditions and composition of fish communities. Where Cottus rhotheus and Cottus aleuticus do not occur, this species occupies riffles; at localities where all occur together, it shifts to pools (ref. 86798). Has been observed in slow moving and still waters with muddy substrates, but identification is uncertain (K. McAllister & M. Young, pers. comm. 07/04/20).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 November 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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