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Alpine sculpin

Alpen-Groppe

Scientific name: Alpinocottus poecilopus

NativeFreshwater

已区域性灭绝

Behavior

Lives in streams of northern, mountain, and foothill regions, as well as nutrient-poor lakes. Prefers fast-flowing water with stony substrate. Can move down to estuaries and tolerate brackish water. Broad diet: algae, crustaceans, insect larvae, fish eggs, and fry.

Features

Up to 15 cm long. Distinguished from other European sculpins by spoon-shaped small spines and 5-15 distinct banded spots on the pelvic fins.

Distribution

Circumpolar, found in Europe and Asia. In Germany historically recorded only in a few northern lakes. Based on current data, the German population is considered regionally extinct.