Micrenophrys lilljeborgii (Collett, 1875)
Norway bullhead
Micrenophrys lilljeborgii
photo by Rekdal, E.

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  7.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 100 m
Distribution:  Northeast Atlantic: Norwegian coasts to Namdahl to off Denmark, around British Isles and across to Iceland. Pelagic larvae spreading to western Murman and Icelandic waters.
Diagnosis:  Differs from Taurulus bubalis by the row of bony knobs above the rough lateral line and by the 2 soft rays in the anal fin (Ref. 35388).
Biology:  Found on hard bottoms (gravel or shells) or among algae with temperatures ranging below 0°C. Feeds on small crustaceans (amphipods, decapods) and fishes. Spawns in early spring. Eggs demersal, in clumps on bottom, diameter 2 mm; larvae pelagic (Ref. 4698).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 October 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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