Fin's Fish Guide
The Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cyclopteridae that grows up to 61 cm.
North Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, from coastal water to hundreds of metres depth.
Description
The lumpfish is a stout, almost globular marine fish of the family Cyclopteridae reaching about 60 cm. The scaleless body bears rows of bony knobs and has a sucking disc on the belly, formed from fused pelvic fins, with which it clings firmly to stones. Outside the breeding season it is blue-grey; breeding males turn orange-red. The species lives in the northern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic and eats small crustaceans, jellyfish and worms. In spring it spawns in shallow water, after which the male guards the sticky egg masses and fans them with oxygen. The eggs are sold as 'lumpfish caviar'.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lumpfish?
The Lumpfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Stocky, globular fish with rows of bony tubercles and a sucker on the belly (fused pelvic fins) with which it attaches itself to the bottom; males turn red in the spawning season.
Where does the Lumpfish live?
The Lumpfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, from coastal water to hundreds of metres depth.
How big does the Lumpfish get?
The Lumpfish grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.
Is the Lumpfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Lumpfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lumpfish edible?
Yes, the Lumpfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Lumpfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lumpfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cyclopteridae
Want the complete picture on the Lumpfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lumpfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.