Baikal sculpin

The Baikal sculpin is a type of fish found in Lake Baikal and its tributary rivers in Russia. These fish are part of the scorpaeniform order, which includes sculpins, flatheads, and other related species.1

Sculpins, including the Baikal sculpin, are adapted to bottom-dwelling and are not fast swimmers. They typically capture prey, such as smaller fish and crustaceans, with a quick pounce. The Baikal sculpin is a primary food source for the Baikal seal, a unique freshwater seal that inhabits the lake. Baikal seals hunt these sculpins, along with other fish and invertebrates, diving to depths of up to 400 meters and holding their breath for up to 40 minutes.123