Father Lasher

Father Lasher, a popular name for Cottus scorpio (also called the sea scorpion) and C. bubalis, small fishes common on the European coasts. [Bullhead.] The head is large, and the pectoral fins antler-like and set with spines; the general coloration is dark, with grey markings. The males are said to build a kind of nest for the spawn, and to defend the young with great fierceness.