Baltic Sculpin

Can be distinguished from other species of Cottus in Europe by possessing a shallow transverse groove in the snout between the anterior and posterior nares and the combination of the following characters: genital papilla lobular in males; depth of caudal peduncle 20-24% HL; length of caudal peduncle 41-64% HL; prickling on body extending backwards to caudal peduncle (reduced or sometimes absent in some populations); absence of distinct transverse bands on pelvic fin; predorsal length 32-37% SL; distance from tip of snout to origin of second dorsal fin 50-52% SL; dorsal head length 21-25% SL; unique molecular markers (Ref. 55856).

Analsoft rays: 11 - 14

Inhabits small streams to medium-sized rivers. Feeds on a wide variety of benthic invertebrates. Females spawn once a year (Ref. 59043).

Cottus microstomus is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Cottidae, the typical sculpins. It is found in Eastern Europe and is widespread in the Dniester drainage (Black Sea basin), Odra and Vistula drainages (southern Baltic basin), most likely extending further east to the Gulf of Finland. It is part of the wider European Cottus gobio complex, and possibly makes hybrid zones with Cottus gobio (European bullhead) and Cottus koshewnikowi. It is a demersal fish, up to 10.1 cm long.