Image 4-18
Sailfin Sculpin

This image of a sailfin sculpin (Nautichthys oculofasciatus) was captured by NOAA photographer David Csepp. This strange fish is native to the eastern Pacific Ocean from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska to San Miguel Island off southern California. It is named for its elongated, sail-like first dorsal fin. The sailfin sculpin is a demersal species, swimming along the ocean bottom as it hunts for food. It feeds primary on crabs and other crustaceans. This species grows to a maximum length of about 8 inches (20 centimeters).