Cottus caeruleomentum Kinziger, Raesly & Neely, 2000

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The Blue Ridge sculpin, with the scientific name Cottus caeruleomentum, is a sculpin species belonging to the family Cottidae.

Geographic Range (U.S. States)

It is native to the eastern United States, occurring in multiple river systems that drain into the Atlantic Ocean, specifically in the states of Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

River Drainage Distribution

It can be found in the Elk, Susquehanna, Bush, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Nanticoke, James, and Roanoke river drainages.

Size and Morphology Variability

This fish species has variable morphology, reaching a maximum length of approximately 6.3 centimeters (2.5 inches).

Body Markings and Lateral Line

Generally, the species has dark saddle-shaped markings on its body and an incomplete lateral line.

Preoperculum and Skin Features

It has small spines on the preoperculum and small prickles in the area behind the pectoral fin.

Breeding Male Coloration

Breeding males, at least in some regions, develop blue to blue-green coloration on the chin, mouth, the bases of some fins, and the membrane that connects the bones around the gills.

Closely Related Species

This species is very similar to its close relative Cottus bairdi, particularly the subspecies C. b. bairdi.

Tail Base Marking Differences

Cottus bairdi has notches in the band that marks the base of the tail, while C. caeruleomentum lacks these notches on one or both sides of its tail base.

Coloration Differences from Congener

Cottus bairdi also does not have the blue breeding coloration seen in C. caeruleomentum, and its chin is blackish.

Hybridization with Congener

The two species occur in the same range and are known to hybridize.

Habitat Elevation Preference

Blue Ridge sculpins are common in upland habitats, and less common in lowland areas.

Aquatic Habitat Types

They live in creeks, springs, and riffles, and are only found in cold streams in coastal regions.

Diet

Their diet consists of invertebrates.

Parasite Research Context

Researchers have studied the parasite load of this species.

Known Intestinal Nematodes

The nematode Rhabdochona cotti lives in the intestine of the Blue Ridge sculpin.

Newly Described Nematode Species

Another nematode found in this fish's intestine was later described as a new species, named Freitascapillaria laticauda, which can grow to over one centimeter in length.