Chris Hunsley
Northern News Services

Inuvik (June 27/05) - With a head several times the size of its body and crowned with horns, it's no wonder a red-eyed lake dweller fascinated Inuvik youngsters.

"Some people thought it was scary," said Lakeisha Guthrie, 10, describing the reactions of her Sir Alexander Mackenzie school classmates to a four-horned sculpin.

"I thought it was weird looking how it has the horns on its head."

Reeled in at Husky Lakes near Tuktoyaktuk, Friday, May 13, the sculpin's lizard-like appearance made it a must-keep for Rachel Hansen.

"I lifted my hook out and here comes this big, ugly fish," she said laughing. "So I kept it. I'd never caught one before."

Once out of the water and on the ice, the devil fish, which is common in Husky Lakes, provided plenty of entertainment for nearby pets.

"It stayed alive about 20 minutes longer than a normal fish so when the dogs would come up and touch it it would puff up," explained Hansen.

Commonly known as Kanayok in Inuktitut, sculpins are bottom dwellers and feed predominantly on invertebrates and their larvae.

The eyes are set atop a flat head with an elongated, seemingly, unnatural body.

"The size varies by species," said Andrea Hoyt.

There are at least four sculpin species to be found at Husky Lakes. Erin Hiebert, biologist for the Fisheries Joint Management Committee, said the largest she's seen was approximately 10 inches long.

Found throughout the circumpolar region and in the south, the devil fish is considered endangered in many freshwater lakes in Sweden.

"I wouldn't eat it because it has spikes," said Joseph, Lakeisha's seven-year-old brother.

Rumours, however, swirled around the school of one Inuvik resident brave enough to bite down on the tiny beast.

"I've heard of one person in town who eats them fried in some garlic and olive oil," said Guthrie.