Name:

Sculpin

Scorpaena guttata

Seasonal Availability:

Year-round

For species-specific updates, please visit this website

Commercial Length or Size Requirements:

10 inches

Flavor Profile

California Scorpion Fish, also known as California Sculpin, possesses a robust and distinctive flavor profile. Its meat is firm, moist, and has a mildly sweet taste with subtle hints of nuttiness. The fish's flavor intensifies when cooked.

Our favorite ways to cook

Celebrate Sculpin's charms through the art of grilling. Adorn the fillets with a blend of olive oil, a hint of citrus zest, and your favorite herbs. Place them on a heated grill, where they'll embrace the medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. Behold as the tender fish boasts a tantalizing char on the exterior. Elevate the dish with a lemon-butter drizzle or a vibrant tropical fruit salsa.

Things you probably didn't know about Sculpin

Sculpin fish may not be the most glamorous creatures of the sea, but they are fascinating in their own right. Did you know that sculpin can actually breathe air? They have a special organ called a swim bladder that acts as a lung, allowing them to take in oxygen from the air above the water's surface. Beyond their unique respiratory system, sculpin are also known for their impressive camouflage abilities. Some species are able to adjust the color of their skin to blend in with their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to predators. These quirky fish may not get a lot of attention, but they certainly have some interesting secrets to discover.