Clinocottus globiceps

Clinocottus globiceps
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Superclass:	Osteichthyes
Class:	Actinopterygii
Superorder:	Acanthopterygii
Order:	Scorpaeniformes
Suborder:	Cottoidei
Family:	Cottidae
Genus:	Clinocottus
Species:	C. globiceps
Binomial name
Clinocottus globiceps (Girard, 1858)
Synonyms
Blennicottus globiceps (Girard, 1858) Oligocottus globiceps Girard, 1858

Clinocottus globiceps, commonly known as the mosshead sculpin or globe-headed sculpin, is a species of fish in the family Cottidae, native to the northeastern Pacific.

C. globiceps is a resident (non-migratory) intertidal species which exhibits homing behavior. It generally inhabits tidal pools and shallow rocky areas, often in strong surf. C. globiceps can leave a tide pool if conditions become inhospitable, since it can also breathe air. It sometimes rests on rocks out of water, but usually under rocks or among seaweed. C. globiceps is most commonly found in the eastern Pacific from Kodiak Island (Alaska) to Gaviota (southern California). This fish prefers a temperate climate from latitude 60°N. to 32°N. and is usually in a marine, demersal environment.

Characteristics

Body part	Average number/length
Dorsal spines (total)	9–10
Dorsal soft rays (total)	15–17
Anal spines	0
Anal soft rays	10–12
Maximum length	19 cm
Caudal Fin	Rounded
Pectoral rays	Lower eight when thickened, six or seven excised.

External links

• Book references in FishBase
• Clinocottus globiceps page in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)