Cottus caeruleomentum Kinziger, Raesly & Neely, 2000
Blue Ridge sculpin
Cottus caeruleomentum
photo by Gratwicke, B.

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  6.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: Atlantic drainages including the Elk, Susquehanna, Bush, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Nanticoke, James and Roanoke.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-19; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 10-14. Two-spotted first dorsal fin; chin uniformly pigmented; dossal saddles moderate to wide; incomplete lateral line; preopercular spines slight to moderate, palatine teeth weak to moderate, and postpectoral prickling slight to moderate. Distinguished from C. b. bairdi by caudal base band unnotched in at least one side versus both sides notched. Palatine tooth patch moderately developed.
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 November 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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