sculpin Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun any of numerous spiny large-headed usually scaleless scorpaenoid fishes with broad mouths

Written also skulpin.

(Zoöl.) (a) Any one of numerous species of marine cottoid fishes of the genus Cottus, or Acanthocottus, having a large head armed with sharp spines, and a broad mouth. They are generally mottled with yellow, brown, and black. Several species are found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and America. (b) A large cottoid market fish of California (Scorpænichthys marmoratus); -- called also bighead, cabezon, scorpion, salpa. (c) The dragonet, or yellow sculpin, of Europe (Callionymus lura). ✍ The name is also applied to other related California species.