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sculpin

(Science: zoology) 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.

A large cottoid market fish of California (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus); called also bighead, cabezon, scorpion, salpa.

The dragonet, or yellow sculpin, of Europe (Callionymus lura).

The name is also applied to other related California species. Deep-water sculpin, the sea raven.

Origin: Written also skulpin.