Cyclopterus lumpus

Cyclopterus lumpus, commonly known as the lumpsucker or lumpfish, is a species of fish in the family Cyclopteridae. It is native to the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Description

The Cyclopterus lumpus is a medium-sized fish, typically measuring between 30 and 60 cm in length. It has a distinctive round body shape, which gives it its common name of 'lumpsucker'. The body is covered in small, bony plates known as tubercles, and the fish has a single dorsal fin. The coloration of the Cyclopterus lumpus varies, but it is usually a mottled green or blue.

Distribution and habitat

The Cyclopterus lumpus is found in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, from the coasts of Canada and the United States to the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Russia. It inhabits both coastal and deep-sea environments, typically at depths of between 50 and 150 meters.

Behavior and diet

The Cyclopterus lumpus is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling species. It feeds primarily on small invertebrates, such as crustaceans and mollusks, but will also eat small fish. The species is known for its unique method of locomotion, which involves using its pectoral fins to 'walk' along the sea floor.

Reproduction

The Cyclopterus lumpus has a unique reproductive strategy. The male fish prepares a nest on the sea floor, into which the female deposits her eggs. The male then guards the nest until the eggs hatch, a period of up to eight weeks.

Economic importance

The Cyclopterus lumpus is commercially fished in some parts of its range, particularly in Iceland, where its roe is harvested and sold as a delicacy known as lumpfish caviar.

Conservation status

The Cyclopterus lumpus is currently listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, due to its wide distribution and large population size. However, overfishing and habitat degradation pose potential threats to the species.