Cottus rhotheus (Smith, 1882)
Torrent sculpin

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  15.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: upper Fraser River drainage in British Columbia in Canada to Nehalem River in Oregon, USA (including Columbia River drainage of British Columbia in Canada, and Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon in the USA).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-18; Anal soft rays: 11-14
Biology:  Inhabits rubble and gravel riffles of rivers and rocky lake shores. Individuals up to 5 cm feed on planktonic crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae especially that of midges and mayflies (Ref. 1998). Larger sculpins feed on minnows and other fishes (Ref. 1998). Possibly spawns in June (Ref. 1998).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 November 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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