Any one of numerous species of marine cottoid fishes of the genus
Cottus, or
Acanthocottus, having a large head armed with several sharp spines, and a broad mouth. They are generally mottled with yellow, brown, and black. Several species are found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and America. [
1913 Webster]
" The name is also applied to other related California species."
[1913 Webster]