Abstract:The Roughskin Sculpin Trachidermus fasciatus is an annual carnivorous fish that undergoes short-distance catadromous migration. It has been found in the coastal areas of the Yellow Sea, Bohai Sea, East China Sea, and estuaries. Recent reviews have indicated the potential disappearance of Roughskin Sculpin from the Bohai Sea region. In China, this species is classified as a second-class protected wild animal. This study reports the discovery of Roughskin Sculpin individuals at the Luanhe River Estuary, Hebei, China. In July 2022, July 2023, and October 2023, 1, 19,and 1 Roughskin Sculpin individuals were recorded, respectively (Fig. 1 and 2). Mitochondrial Cyt b gene sequencing of the specimens confirmed their identification as Roughskin Sculpin (Fig. 3 and Table 1). To gain further insights into the distribution and conservation status of this species, we reviewed historical and current distribution records (Table 2), as well as the breeding and release activities of the Roughskin Sculpin along the coastal areas of China. The literature on the Roughskin Sculpin in the Bohai Sea area of Hebei Province and the fish species found in the Luanhe River Estuary was reviewed. Roughskin Sculpin have mainly been reported in the seas of Beidaihe and Qinhuangdao. However, there were only limited records available for the Luanhe River Estuary, with only one early record and one investigation in 2010. Up to now, evidence of the releasing of Roughskin Sculpin has not been found along the coast of Bohai Sea. The discovery of Roughskin Sculpin in two consecutive years suggests the presence of a breeding migratory population in the Luanhe River Estuary, contradicting to the previous assumptions. The recovery of the Roughskin Sculpin population in this area can be attributed to factors such as the unobstructed migratory passage at the Luanhe River Estuary, the consistently good water quality of the Estuary and nearshore sea, and the relatively light fishing pressure. Further monitoring is necessary to understand the migration range and breeding habitat of the Roughskin Sculpin. Additionally, stricter inspections and fishing bans should be implemented.