Variability and problem of species identification of sculpins of the genus Cyphocottus (Pisces: Cottidae)

Abstract. Based on the material collected during fieldwork seasons from 1996 to 2007 in amount of 223 specimens, we studied phenetic relationships and taxonomic structure genus Cyphocottus. Two valid species, C. megalops eurystomus, within boundaries established by D.N. Taliev (1955) were confirmed Interspecific differences eurystomus are manifested greater values interorbital distance, height head, body caudal peduncle, as well smaller eye diameter peduncle length. Polymorphism definitive sizes, colour number neuromasts lateral line is typical eurystomus. At same time, all populations have specific characters different megalops. We found no intraspecific variability