Pacific spiny lumpsucker

[4] The lumpsucker's pelvic fins have evolved into a large, fringed suction cup, allowing it to attach to surfaces like rocks or kelp.

[4] Because of their large, rounded shape with small fins, Pacific spiny lumpsuckers are ineffective swimmers and are most commonly found attached to solid objects.

[4] Pacific spiny lumpsuckers are found from northern Washington state, especially Puget Sound, to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.

[1][3][4] This species inhabits a wide variety of habitats, including eelgrass beds, rocky reefs, kelp patches, and other algae growth.

[2][5][4] Pacific spiny lumpsuckers feed on slow crustaceans, polychaete worms, and mollusks on the sandy or muddy sea floor.

[4] The male will defend the clutch for three to eight weeks before the juvenile lumpsuckers hatch and venture out solitarily to find food within a few days.

[4] While the Pacific spiny lumpsucker has not yet been evaluated by the IUCN Red List, climate change may pose a threat to the species.

[4] In the North Atlantic Ocean in areas such as Iceland and Norway, commercial lumpsucker fisheries raise and catch Cyclopterus lumpfish and their eggs for consumption.

Lumpsucker with visible suction fin
Pair of Pacific spiny lumpsuckers attached to a rock.