Japanese Fluvial Sculpin

Japanese Fluvial Sculpins, Cottus pollux, can be found in the upper streams throughout Japan. Both anadromous and landlocked forms are known. They feed on insects, crustaceans, worms, and small fish. Despite their size, up to 15 cm in length, they have been vital protein source for mountain villagers without easy access to meat and seafood.
Due to the habitat loss, they're classified as "endangered" thus its fishing is strictly regulated in some areas.

This footage was shot at Sagamigawa Fureai Kagakukan in Kanagawa prefecture. This specimen seemed attracted to my finger movement while videotaping.

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[jxz107]

They look rather interesting. Nice vid!

Would these be bottom feeders, as they feed on invertebrates... And if so, how do they catch fish?

[crazyboyfromjapan]

The fish they feed are very slow ones, like the sick or alvins/frys of other fish. They are very opportunists, so they don't actively chase fish. Also, they camouflage among rocks so well (just like carnivorous gobies), so some fish accidentally approach them and end up in their stomach.

Does it help you?

Thanks!

[vinniedurrant]

@jxz107 pleco's are true bottom feeders because of their downward facing jaws and also- bottom feeders dont actively hunt down their like prey Sculpins do; their jaws face upward like most predatory fish. Fish like pleco's and loaches which are true bottom feeders and have poor eyesight unlike Sculpins have the typical predatory binocular vision..

I have three bullhead sculpins in a tank, they are curios fish plus they are entertaining to watch, Small earthworms are good food for them.

[jxz107]

@crazyboyfromjapan It does, thank you. I'll have to take a look at bottom fish anatomy a bit, and see if others can do the same, probably not something like the pleco though.

[jxz107]

Wow, they must have some strong jaws to feed on crustaceans...