Shorthead Sculpin

The shorthead sculpin (Cottus confusus) is a species of fish in the family Cottidae. Shorthead sculpins are small, bottom-dwelling fish, typically measuring around 13 to 15 cm in length. They have large heads, fanlike pectoral fins, and a narrow caudal peduncle. Their physical characteristics include 7–9 dorsal spines, 15–19 dorsal soft rays, 10–14 anal soft rays, and palatine teeth. Their coloration is a mix of dark brown and yellow.

It is found in the United States and Canada, inhabiting the Columbia River drainage in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. It is also found in the Puget Sound drainage of Washington and in California. They will inhabit water where the temperatures range from 15.5 °C to 23.9 °C. They reach a maximum length of 15.0 cm. They will reside in rocky riffles of cold, clear streams, and occasionally lakes. They are sedentary, and nocturnal. Shorthead sculpins inhabit cold and cool water streams embedded with gravel-rocky substrates. In Idaho, they are found year-round, while in other regions they are found primarily in the spring.