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Prickly Sculpin

Cottus asper

Photo contributed by: Douglas F. Markle Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Oregon State University

In-depth Information Regarding this Species

General Salinity Range (ppt)	Freshwater and sometimes in saltwater near the mouth of rivers (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983)
Average Maximum Overall Length (cm)	30 Usually 13 (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983)
Spawning Behavior	Male guards eggs (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983)
Time of Year of Spawning	Winter–Spring (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983)
Habitat where Eggs are found	Eggs laid on rocks (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983)
Adult Food Preference	Small Invertebrates (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983)
Market	"Large individuals are reported to be excellent eating as well as good bait fish." (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983)
Additional Use of the Species	Bait (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983)

Recent Wild Harvest Data for Oregon
Data from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(Data for All Sculpin Species except for Buffalo Sculpin)

Year	Total Catch (Pounds)	Ex-vessel Value ( U.S. Dollars)
1989	2	1
1990	0	0
1991	8	1
1992	0	0
1993	28	75
1994	98	206
1995	101	405
1996	32	32
1997	0	0
1998	8	32

© 2003 Stephen Sempier