Class: Actinopterygii, Order: Scorpaeniformes,  Family: Cottidae ( Sculpins)

Oligocottus snyderi 

DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Baja California.

HABITAT: Temperate rocky intertidal pools, especially those with algae or eelgrass and asandy substrate. They don’t migrate but do move between pools. In Central California, dominant in sub- to mid-intertidal pools.

APPEARANCE: Coloration varies greatly from green to reddish brown to pink, depending on the color of the surrounding algae; sides spotted and mottled. Like many sculpins, they have no scales. Cirri line the base of the dorsal fin and the lateral line. The common name refers to a “fluffy” fleshy area behind the dorsal fin. Max. length: 9 cm (3.50 in); average weight: 8 g (0.28 oz). 

DIET: Worms, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates.

REPRODUCTION: Males use claspers during intercourse for internal fertilization. Eggs are deposited on rocks, and are guarded by the males. O. Synderi develops through larval, post larval, juvenile and adult stages.

REMARKS: Can breathe air for hours at a time, often in response to reduction in the tide pool’s oxygen at night .

LOCATION: Tidepool  CC15