Family Hemitripteridae -

This family has only just recently been recognized as being separate from the Cottidae (sculpins). These fishes difer in having the body covered by minute spines. They occur in both the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans.

Silverspot sculpin- Blepsias cirrhosus

Remarks: A visitor taken in the bay more commonly in deeper offshore waters.

Identification: There is a depression at the back of the head and some long cirri hang from the chin. The front edge of the first dorsal fin is high, the second dorsal and anal fins are long and approximately the same size. Coloration is brown mottled above with a light spot near the pectoral fins and pale below. Maximum size 19cm.
Range: Bering Sea to central California out to a depth of 37m.

Sailfin sculpin- Nautichthys oculofasciatus

Remarks: Seldom if ever caught by anglers. Occasionally enters the bay during the spring season and will reside in the channels and along the jetties.

Identification: Unmistakable with itÍs high first dorsal fin and the second dorsal fin extending to the caudal peduncle. A distinctive dark stripe angles through each eye and ends on the lower cheek. Coloration is brownish or gray interrupted by dark spots and blotches. Attains a size of 20cm.

Range: Southern California to Alaska but most common north of Puget Sound. Prefers rocky areas with algae to a depth of 110m.