Alpine bullhead – protected species, fishing prohibited
Alpine bullhead (Siberian sculpin) · Cottus poecilopus
Size: 6–10 cm
- In Romania it is found mainly in the mountain waters of the north-east (Moldova and Maramureș): the Bistrița and its tributaries, the Trotuș, the upper Dâmbovița and Ialomița, the upper Bicaz at Lacul Roșu.
- It is a freshwater species, living in low-altitude rivers and lakes with cold, clear, clean, well-oxygenated water and a stony or sandy bottom.
- It tolerates some salinity and can also be found at river mouths in brackish water.
- It lives on the bottom; the fish lives mostly alone and rarely swims, being largely sedentary.
Rules on natural waters
Release it immediately
A protected species: fishing for it is forbidden all year in natural waters.
Species closed season: all year
The rules above are for natural waters (rivers, lakes, the Danube), where you also need a permit. On a private lake the lake's rules apply: many are catch & release or have their own limits.