Bonehead Sculpin

Artedius notospilotus

The bonehead sculpin is a distinctive marine fish known for its unique head shape that resembles a blunt ridge or "bone." This species is easily identified by its broad head adorned with conspicuous spines and large dorsal eyes. Unlike many other sculpins, it lacks scales under the anterior portion of its eye orbit, although scales are present on the head and along the back ridge. The body exhibits a honeycomb pattern in shades of brown, gray, and green, with a characteristic black spot between the first and second spines of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin itself is equipped with 14 to 16 rays, while the anal and pectoral fins have 11 to 13 and 15 to 17 rays, respectively. Bonehead sculpins can grow up to 25 centimeters in length. This species is found in the Eastern Pacific, ranging from Puget Sound in Washington, USA, to the northern Baja California peninsula in Mexico. It inhabits the intertidal zone and can be found at depths up to 52 meters, although most records are from shallower than 40 meters. The bonehead sculpin prefers marine environments and is often associated with rocky and temperate reefs. Bonehead sculpins are oviparous, with spawning occurring in spring and winter. They tend to favor seawater, polyhaline, and mesohaline environments for their nursery habitats. Divers may encounter this uncommon species while exploring rocky reefs, where its cryptic coloration helps it blend into the surroundings. Currently, the bonehead sculpin has not been evaluated for conservation status.