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Smooth lumpsucker (Lethotremus muticus) — Cyclopteridae

Smooth lumpsucker

Lethotremus muticus
Family: Cyclopteridae

The Smooth lumpsucker (Lethotremus muticus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cyclopteridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
58.0–330.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Alaska

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Description

The smooth lumpsucker is a tiny lumpsucker (Cyclopteridae) from cold, shallow rocky and weedy water of the northern Pacific. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a globular, stocky, soft body with a sucker disc on the belly, formed from the pelvic fins, with which it clings to stones and weed. As a slow bottom-dweller it snaps at small crustaceans and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smooth lumpsucker?

The Smooth lumpsucker has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Smooth lumpsucker live?

The Smooth lumpsucker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Alaska

How big does the Smooth lumpsucker get?

The Smooth lumpsucker grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Smooth lumpsucker dangerous to humans?

No, the Smooth lumpsucker is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Smooth lumpsucker sourced
Scientific name
Lethotremus muticus
Family
Cyclopteridae
Other names
Docked snailfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
58.0 verified
Max depth (m)
330.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Alaska sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Cyclopteridae

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