Image 4-19
Grunt Sculpin

This image of a grunt sculpin (Rhamphocottus richardsoni) was captured by NOAA photographer David Csepp. It is the only member of the fish family Rhamphocottidae. It is found in the coastal waters of the northern Pacific Ocean, from Japan to Alaska and south to California. It is commonly found in tide pools, rocky areas, and sandy bottoms at depths of up to 540 feet (165 meters). This curious fish uses its spiny pectoral fins to crawl over the sea floor. It grows to a maximum size of about 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) in length.