Artedius lateralis (Girard, 1854)
Smoothhead sculpin
Artedius lateralis
photo by Grossman, P.C.

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  14 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 13 m
Distribution:  North Pacific: Komandorski Islands, Russia and the Bering Sea coast of Alaska to the Aleutian chain and Bahia San Quintin, northern Baja California, Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Caudal fin rounded. Lower 8 pectoral rays thickened and exserted. Pelvic fins small.
Biology:  Occurs in the intertidal (common) and to 13 m depth (Ref. 2850). May remain out of water under rocks or seaweeds (Ref. 31184). Breathes air when out of water (Ref. 31184).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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