Lumpsucker
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tiithunt" title="User:Tiithunt">Tiit Hunt</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameLumpsucker
Scientific NameCyclopterus lumpus
Common NamesLumpsucker, Lumpfish, Henfish, Sea Hen
FamilyCyclopteridae
OriginNorth Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Baltic Sea
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)24
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)32-50
pH Range7.8-8.4
Description
The Lumpsucker is a unique cold-water marine fish known for its distinctive, lumpy body and modified pelvic fins that form a powerful suction cup, allowing it to cling to rocks and other surfaces. They are ambush predators, primarily feeding on various invertebrates and small fish in their natural North Atlantic habitat. Due to their specialized requirements for very cold, highly oxygenated saltwater and large tank sizes, they are considered an expert-level aquarium species.
