Procottus major

Procottus major is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Cottidae, the typical sculpins. This species is endemic to Lake Baikal in Siberia. It was originally described as a subspecies of the similar but smaller red sculpin (P. jeittelesii). P. major can be found at depths of up to 900 m, especially on a muddy or rocky-mud bottom. In the spring and summer it typically occurs deeper than 100 m, and in the fall and winter from 30 to(-). It can reach a length of 30 cm, but is usually 18-22 cm. It feeds on smaller animals, especially gammarids, and breeding occurs in the winter at depths of 60 - 140 m. This species is fished and its young are an important food source for other fish.