Slimy Sculpin

Slimy sculpin is a native species to much of the United States, Canada, and parts of Russia. The greatest quantity of slimy sculpin in North America resides primarily within Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, as well as subgroups within the tributaries. Additionally, the species can be located within much of the Northern United States, including Alaska, and almost the entirety of Canada and eastern parts of Siberia, Russia. Additionally, in larger bodies of water such as the Great Lakes, as they are deeper, the slimy sculpins are found in much deeper depths than their close competitor, the round goby. By shifting their specific depth in deeper regions, they avoided competition and competitive exclusion.

In order for the slimy sculpin to reproduce, they need conditions such as water to be a specific temperature range from 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit. During breeding season (April-May) the male slimy sculpins tend to get more distinguished darkness along their sides, as well as a more noticeably orange first dorsal fin. This display of sexual dimorphism amongst the species causes the males to no longer camouflage into their environments as well and causes a higher mortality rate for the males. Additionally, the males must find a proper nesting site for their mate or mates to build their nest. Often times this location will be underneath a ledge, rocks, or even under submerged roots. Once the location is prepared, the males will then mate with one or more female, which will produce up to 1,400 adhesive, pink or yellow eggs in the nest. The male is then also in charge of protecting the nest from predation and from any other males, as they undergo intrasexual competition amongst each other in order to reproduce with the most females. The males must fan debris and keep the eggs clean in order for them to hatch. The males will continue to guard the nest for around 4 weeks, or until the eggs hatch, yet they will still protect the young until they are able to feed for themselves. …