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Cottus

Cottus

9.9
A group of related small spiny fish called sculpins that live in fresh or sea water
  • noun
  • /ˈkɒtəs/
  • Specialized
: Cottus
  • Many anglers are familiar with the sculpins of the Cottus genus.

Examples

  • The genus Cottus includes many species of small, spiny-headed fish found in northern waters.

  • The Cottus species are fascinating to study.

  • Researchers discovered a new Cottus species in the mountain stream.

  • Look at that Cottus!

  • Many anglers are familiar with the sculpins of the Cottus genus.

  • Researchers discovered a new Cottus species in the mountain stream.

  • The genus Cottus includes many species of small, spiny-headed fish found in northern waters.

Synonyms

sculpin
vsCottus
1 9.9

A fish with a large head, spiny fins, and no scales that lives in rivers and rocky coasts

refers to a specific taxonomic grouping within that broader fish type
genus Cottus
vsCottus
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small fish called sculpins that live on the bottom in cold northern waters

is the simpler name for the same taxonomic group

Compounds

genus Cottus
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small fish called sculpins that live on the bottom in cold northern waters

Surface Forms

Cottus singular
Cottus plural

Etymology

Cottus comes from an old Greek word kottos that meant 'a small fish' or a kind of 'sculpin'. So the scientific name Cottus is used for these small, spiny-headed fish, which is why the genus has that name.