Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic spiny lumpsucker (Eumicrotremus spinosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cyclopteridae that grows up to 13 cm.
North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, on stony and sandy and silty bottoms in cold water.
Description
The Atlantic spiny lumpsucker is a small, globular cold-water fish of the family Cyclopteridae reaching about 13 cm. The stout, almost round body is entirely covered with bony, cone-shaped tubercles, making it look like a spiny ball; the colour is brownish, sometimes with a reddish tinge. On the belly the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish clings firmly to stones against the current. The species lives on stony and soft bottoms of the northern Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, in cold water from tens to several hundred metres. It hunts slowly for small crustaceans and worms. The male guards the egg mass. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker?
The Atlantic spiny lumpsucker has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small, globular cold-water fish completely covered with bony, cone-shaped spiny knobs; a sucker on the belly holds it fast to stones.
Where does the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker live?
The Atlantic spiny lumpsucker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, on stony and sandy and silty bottoms in cold water.
How big does the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker get?
The Atlantic spiny lumpsucker grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker edible?
The Atlantic spiny lumpsucker is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Eumicrotremus
More from the family Cyclopteridae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic spiny lumpsucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.