What is this minnow?

[Digem1]

We had a perch cough this up at the wolfe lake howl yesterday. We seemed to think it was a Sculpin, however no one could say for sure. Any help would be appreciated.

[Fry Flier]

Goby..... Pretty much through the Province now. Invasive species.


http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/round-goby-fish-hamilton-harbour-1.4006195

[flyfisherdude]

I also think it's a sculpin but it is not easy to distinguish round gobies from sculpins. Apparently, the distinction is in the pelvic fins:
http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/ais/gobies_invade

If you search google images for 'sculpin goby' you see a few side by side comparisons; nearly identical. Even if it isn't a goby, it is likely just a matter of time before they spread through local lakes.

Good side by side photo here, bottom right image: https://www.northeastans.org/online-guide/species-information.html?SpeciesID=19

[Digem1]

It is a tricky one. Stumped everyone we asked. Did have a funny little fin on it's underside as well.

[Chuck Enwinde]

It is a tricky one. Stumped everyone we asked. Did have a funny little fin on it's underside as well.

Goby's have fused pectoral fins.  It looks almost like a suction cup.  Sculpins have two distinct pec fins.  Without a shot of the underside and knowing nothing of the body of water it came from my guess is sculpin.   

[captain54]

Sculpin. Without a doubt.

[minnook]

yep sculpin

[Digem1]

They can't be all that common are they? Never seen them in minnow traps or other fish before.

[rdhammah]

sculpin. gobies do not have the horns behind the eyes