Holston Sculpin,  Cottus sp.

 
Physical Description: 
·	Large broad head, large terminal mouth
·	Eye is high on head
·	Short snout
·	Chin slightly mottled or unmottled
·	Broad bands on the back
·	Anteriorly rounded body, compressed posteriorly
·	First dorsal fin has a short base, second has a long base
·	Slight spotting on fins
·	Large, fan-like pectoral fin
·	Dorsal fins slightly connected
·	Tail fin not rounded 
·	Body tan to olive-colored
·	First dorsal fin edge pale orange

Similar species: 
·	Banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae)
·	Black sculpin (Cottus baileyi)

Mean body size:
·	Adults are 65-80 mm standard length 

Habitat:
·	Clear streams of moderate to high-gradient
·	Varying temperatures 

Distribution in VA:
·	Upper Holston in the Tennessee drainage
	
Food Habits:  
·	Insect larvae and crayfish

Reproductive Habits: 
·	Mature by age 2
·	Spawning occurs November-December in water that is around 1-11°C
·	Probably the same spawning behavior as other sculpins
·	Fecundity is unknown

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
·	An undescribed species
·	Nuptial males have yet to be found

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

Mottled Sculpin Black Sculpin Slimy Sculpin Bluestone Sculpin Banded Sculpin Potomac Sculpin Holston Sculpin Clinch Sculpin Continue Browsing Families..... Petromyzontidae, Lampreys Polyodontidae, Paddlefish Acipenseridae, Sturgeons Lepisosteidae, Gars Amiidae, Bowfins Anguillidae, Freshwater Eels Amblyopsidae, Cavefishes Ictaluridae, Catfish Percopsidae, Trout-Perches Salmonidae, Trouts Clupeidae, Herrings Esocidae, Pikes Aphredoderidae, Pirate Perches Umbridae, Mudminnows Fundulidae, Killifishes Poeciliidae, Livebearers Cyprinidae, Minnows Catostomidae, Suckers Gasterosteidae, Sticklebacks Atherinidae, Silversides Cottidae, Sculpins Sciaenidae, Drums Percidae, Perches Moronidae, Striped Basses Centrarchidae, Sunfishes