Longhorn SculpinorShorthorn Sculpin
Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.
How to tell them apart
Longhorn Sculpin
Bottom-grabber with LONG cheek spines (mind your hands), big fanned pectorals, and banded fins.
Longhorn sculpin, next to shorthorn sculpin: cheek spines nearly reach the gill edge.
Shorthorn Sculpin
Bulky cold-water sculpin with short cheek spines and warty skin.
Shorthorn sculpin, next to longhorn sculpin: short cheek spines, warty and stockier.
Side by side
| Longhorn Sculpin | Shorthorn Sculpin | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus | Myoxocephalus scorpius |
| Also called | Hacklehead | Daddy sculpin |
| Waters | Inshore | Inshore |
| Heaviest state record | — | 2.84 lb · Maine (2004) |
| On the table | Not kept — the cod trip's bait stealer. | Not kept. |
| Rules of its own in | 0 states | 0 states |
Rules for
Every state, both fish
| State | Longhorn Sculpin: size · bag · season | Shorthorn Sculpin: size · bag · season |
|---|
In the app
Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, longhorn sculpin or shorthorn sculpin, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask
How do you tell longhorn sculpin from shorthorn sculpin?
Longhorn Sculpin: Bottom-grabber with LONG cheek spines (mind your hands), big fanned pectorals, and banded fins. Shorthorn Sculpin: Bulky cold-water sculpin with short cheek spines and warty skin. Shorthorn sculpin, next to longhorn sculpin: short cheek spines, warty and stockier. Longhorn sculpin, next to shorthorn sculpin: cheek spines nearly reach the gill edge.
Which is better to eat, longhorn sculpin or shorthorn sculpin?
Longhorn Sculpin: Not kept — the cod trip's bait stealer. Shorthorn Sculpin: Not kept.