Overview
The Cyclopteridae are a family of marine fishes, known as lumpsuckers or lumpfish. They are found in the cold waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, and North Pacific oceans. The greatest number of species are found in the North Pacific.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
- Size and Appearance
- Lumpsuckers range in size from 0.7 inches to 20 inches in length. They have a rotund shape and are slow swimmers. Toothed spikes provide a buffer during collisions.
- Habitat
- Lumpsuckers live on or near the sea floor, at depths up to 5,600 feet. Their suction-cup-like disk allows them to attach to rocks and surfaces for shelter from predators.
Behavior and Human Interaction
- Behavior
- Lumpsuckers can attach themselves to rocks using their suction disc, enabling them to stay in place even in strong currents. The male lumpsuckers guard the roe until hatching.
- Interaction with Humans
- Lumpfish eggs are commercially harvested for caviar. They are sometimes used as bait for commercial fishing and raised as cleaners in fish farms.
Distribution and Adaptations
- Distribution
- Lumpsuckers are found in cold, salt waters primarily in the North Pacific.
- Adaptations
- The skin of lumpsuckers is scaleless and colored slate grey to blue. They have small bony lumps covering their bodies, with lateral rows of larger bony thorns.
Miscellaneous
- Saltwater vs. Freshwater
- Lumpfish are saltwater fish and cannot survive in freshwater environments.
Conclusion
Overall, lumpsuckers are fascinating marine creatures with unique adaptations for their cold-water habitats.