Taxonomic review and meristic variation in marine sculpins (Osteichthyes:Cottidae) of the northeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Within the northeast Pacific Ocean (Baja California to the Aleutian Islands), 40 genera comprising 90 species of sculpins (Cottidae) have been recorded; this includes two members of the freshwater genus Cottus which are often found in nearshore marine waters. The species are listed and their distributions are indicated. At present, only one family, Cottidae, should be recognized for the sculpins. Each genus is discussed in terms of taxonomic problems and affinities and each is also diagnosed, indicating differentiating characteristics. Some genera should be synonymized and these are indicated although no formal synonymies are proposed at this time. In addition, other genera need to be studied as they appear closely related to other genera and might be synonymized without any loss of information. The species in some genera (i.e. Artediellus, Hemitripterus, Icelinus, Icelus, Malacocottus, Myoxocephalus, Triglops) are in serious need of study. Some of the species within these genera, as well as many species in other genera are noticably rare in museum collections. Each species within the northeast Pacific is also diagnosed and comments on depth distribution and relative rarity are provided. Meristic data compiled from museum specimens is provided for each genus as well as each species. Artificial keys to the cottid genera and cottid species in the northeast Pacific Ocean are included.