Larval Stage Sailfin Sculpin

A larval-stage sailfin sculpin (Nautichthys oculofasciatus) at night off Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Larval sailfin sculpins develop extremely elongate pectoral fins that are spread like butterfly wings and used to glide down through the water column while the larva forages on zooplankton. This behavior enables sailfin sculpins to reach relatively large sizes before permanently settling during late spring.

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Filename: 20220329-500_4677.jpg
Copyright: Shane Gross
Image Size: 4540x3027 / 1.7MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license; https://www.shanegross.com/contact; Nautichthys oculofasciatus larval stage sailfin sculpin sailfin sail fin sculpin fish larvae night zooplankton plankton blackwater underwater
Contained in galleries: Stock Collection

A larval-stage sailfin sculpin (Nautichthys oculofasciatus) at night off Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Larval sailfin sculpins develop extremely elongate pectoral fins that are spread like butterfly wings and used to glide down through the water column while the larva forages on zooplankton. This behavior enables sailfin sculpins to reach relatively large sizes before permanently settling during late spring.