Manacled sculpin • Synchirus gilli
{Syn = together, cheir = hand; gilli = for American ichthyologist Theodore Gill}
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Manacled sculpin in a fish viewer. Photos by Kaia Bryce.
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Identification
The manacled sculpin can be identified by its pectoral fins, which connect together on the fish's ventral side (underside), forming a single fin. Another distinguishing feature is the knob-like protuberance on its lower lip, further lengthening its pointed snout. It is a small sculpin, with its slender body reaching a maximum of just 7.5 cm long. The male also has large pelvic fins (attached to the underside of the body near the joined pectoral fin) and a silvery lateral stripe running along each side of its body. Its colour varies from golden-brown to greenish or purplish.
Habitat & Range
This sculpin can be found among kelp and other seaweed in shallow waters; it uses its pectoral and pelvic fins to cling to leafy seaweeds as well as floats, pilings, and the sea bottom. It is a fairly common species, particularly in kelp beds. Its range extends from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska south along the Pacific Northwest coast to southern California.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/232130-Synchirus-gilli
The manacled sculpin can be identified by its pectoral fins, which connect together on the fish's ventral side (underside), forming a single fin. Another distinguishing feature is the knob-like protuberance on its lower lip, further lengthening its pointed snout. It is a small sculpin, with its slender body reaching a maximum of just 7.5 cm long. The male also has large pelvic fins (attached to the underside of the body near the joined pectoral fin) and a silvery lateral stripe running along each side of its body. Its colour varies from golden-brown to greenish or purplish.
Habitat & Range
This sculpin can be found among kelp and other seaweed in shallow waters; it uses its pectoral and pelvic fins to cling to leafy seaweeds as well as floats, pilings, and the sea bottom. It is a fairly common species, particularly in kelp beds. Its range extends from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska south along the Pacific Northwest coast to southern California.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/232130-Synchirus-gilli
References
Froese, R. and Garilao, C.V. Synchirus gilli Bean, 1890. FishBase. Accessed 22/02/2019.
Lamb, A. and Edgell, P. Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest. Revised. (2010). Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. Pp. 243.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell (2019).
Froese, R. and Garilao, C.V. Synchirus gilli Bean, 1890. FishBase. Accessed 22/02/2019.
Lamb, A. and Edgell, P. Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest. Revised. (2010). Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. Pp. 243.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell (2019).
