This work is funded by a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundations’ Southern Resident Killer Whale Conservation Program for the purpose of improving habitat, food sources, and conducting research to support recovery of the Southern Resident Orca population within our region. The grant covers the costs for volunteer coordination, recruiting, training, equipping, and managing the data captured by our volunteers.
Picture a three inch fish with a head over half its body length, a long snout, brownish stripes, orange fins, and little bristles all over. This is one cute and interesting little fish!
The Grunt Sculpin swims with its head much higher than its tail, but more often this guy walks or hops over rocks and seaweed. Two of its big fins have rays like fingers to make such un-fishy movement possible.
Grunt Sculpins are just the right size and shape to fit inside vacant giant barnacle shells. Backed in with snout sticking out, the Sculpin looks just like a barnacle closed up tight. And turned around with tail fin protruding, it mimics a barnacle filter feeding.
When ready to lay eggs, female Grunt Sculpins block males into barnacles or rock crevices to make sure the eggs get fertilized. Then either parent protects the eggs in the barnacle shell until they hatch.
No barnacles available? The Sculpin may use a discarded bottle or can instead. Venturing out of its borrowed shelter, the little fish feasts on tiny floating creatures and little crustaceans.
Why the name Grunt Sculpin? When alarmed or out of water Grunt Sculpins make the noise for which they're named. But please don't test this. Rather than alarming this fine little fish, let's help it survive. The Grunt Sculpin is part of the incredible diversity of life along the Pacific Coast and in Puget Sound. Everything you do to avoid chemical use around your home helps improve Puget Sound water quality and preserve this unusual fish's home. Maintaining your vehicle in good condition and limiting your driving helps too!
