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The Margined Sculpin

Margined Sculpin is a small freshwater fish from a restricted part of the Columbia drainage. Rubble and gravel riffles provide its characteristic habitat.

Columbia Tributaries

The range extends from the Walla Walla system in Washington toward the Umatilla system in Oregon. These are specific tributaries within a much larger basin. A general Columbia River label should not imply that the species occupies every part of that drainage.

Coarse Riffle Habitat

Rubble and gravel characterize the occupied riffles. Current and stone size add useful detail to a locality record. Describe where the fish was positioned within the riffle rather than assuming all areas of the streambed provide the same immediate conditions.

Size and Comparison

The maximum reference is thirteen centimeters total length, with a common value of nine centimeters. Cottus marginatus is distinct from the unrelated Margined Madtom. Preserve head structure, fin outlines and body pattern when comparing sculpins from neighboring river systems.

Keep the Tributary Name

The Walla Walla or Umatilla connection is more informative than the regional basin alone. Preserve it with each identification and measurement.

All Lakes With Margined Sculpin

Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Margined Sculpin records in our database, listed alphabetically.

No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.

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