J· 6 Feb 2020
Found one washed on the shore of a small island off the coast of Portland,ME. Given it's unique look, it took a bit of research to identify it.
Bony fish
Atlantic Sea Raven
Hemitripterus americanus
Also known as: Bullhead, Muddler, Puff-belly, Scratch-belly, Web Sculpin, Whip Sculphin, Whippy, Wip
ALSO KNOWN AS
- Bullhead
- Muddler
- Puff-belly
- Scratch-belly
- Web Sculpin
- Whip Sculphin
- Whippy
- Wip
01
Overview
Found over hard substrate and rocky bottoms of coral and rocky reefs. They vary in colour.
They feed voraciously on crustaceans, fish, benthic invertebrates, molluscs and sea urchins.
These fish are part of the Scorpionfish family, living on the bottom of the ocean. When removed form the water their stomach inflates, and because of this, when returned they are unable to submerge back into the water.
02
How to identify
- Pattern
- blotches
- Body shape
- spines
- Behaviour
- bottom dwelling
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
03
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Northwest Atlantic
- Country only · 2
LIVES IN
Found over hard substrate and rocky bottoms of coral and rocky reefs.
RANGE
04
Adult photos 2
05
Discussion 2
2 comments
- Andrew Ross· 1 Jul 2015
just caught one of these ugly bastards at Blue Sac in Five Islands Ns
ALL STAGES
FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS
Deep dive
06
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