(Stord - Hordaland / 7 meters / 2.11.2004)

Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Scorpaeniformes

Family: Cottidae

Scientific name: Taurulus bubalis

 

Norwegian: dvergulke

Distribution: Common along the entire Norwegian coast. It prefers rocky substrate between the subtidal zone and a depth of 30 meters.

Characteristics: It can be distinguished from the larger bull rout, by the long spine in front of the gill cover. There are four spines on the gill cover, all together. It has a clearly visible barbel at the corner of the mouth. The sea scorpion is quite small, never exceeding a length of 17 cm. The lateral line is spiny. The color varies with the surroundings. It can be red with pink spots when living on rock covered in pink algae and greenish-brown amongst brown seaweed.

All pictures: