Which scorpaeniform fishes are endemic to Lake Baikal?

Lake Baikal is home to a diverse array of endemic scorpaeniform fishes, primarily belonging to the families Cottidae, Cottocomephoridae, and Comephoridae.1

These fishes have adapted to occupy various ecological niches within the lake, ranging from shallow coastal waters to depths of 1,000 metres. Notable examples include:1

• Cottidae: Two endemic species, Cottus kneri and Cottus kessleri, are found in the lake and its tributary rivers.1
• Cottocomephoridae: This family is highly diverse in the lake, comprising eight genera and numerous species. One specific inshore species is Batrachocottus nikolskii.1
• Comephoridae: Known as Baikal cods, this family includes two endemic pelagic species: Comephorus baicalensis and Comephorus dybowskii (also referred to as the golomyanka).12

These species demonstrate remarkable evolutionary adaptation, with some remaining in deep water year-round while others migrate to coastal areas or use the bottom primarily for spawning.1