Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)

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Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)

The Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is a distinctive cold-water species found along the Maine coast, known for its round body, suction-cup pelvic fins, and seasonal color changes. Juveniles inhabit seaweed beds for protection, while adults migrate to open water, returning to shallow coastal areas to spawn each spring. Males turn a striking red during mating season, making this species especially fascinating for study and display.

Common name: Lumpfish
Scientific name: Cyclopterus lumpus
Locations: Seaweed beds as juveniles; open water as adults
Seasonality: February – June (spawning season)
Colors: Green, blue, gray, brown; males red during mating season
Size: 1” – 12”
Collected: Fishing line
Quantity: Sold by the each

Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)

The Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is a distinctive cold-water species found along the Maine coast, known for its round body, suction-cup pelvic fins, and seasonal color changes. Juveniles inhabit seaweed beds for protection, while adults migrate to open water, returning to shallow coastal areas to spawn each spring. Males turn a striking red during mating season, making this species especially fascinating for study and display.

Common name: Lumpfish
Scientific name: Cyclopterus lumpus
Locations: Seaweed beds as juveniles; open water as adults
Seasonality: February – June (spawning season)
Colors: Green, blue, gray, brown; males red during mating season
Size: 1” – 12”
Collected: Fishing line
Quantity: Sold by the each

Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

Measuring an 11" lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus).

Measuring an 11" lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus).

Tidepool Tim says, "As juveniles, lumpfish live within beds of marine vegetation like eelgrass and seaweeds. They attach to substrate with a chest sucker. When they're adults they live in open waters, visiting shallow water to spawn February to June. 

Lumpfish eat sea lice, a troublesome parasite that lives on farmed salmon and jeopardizes salmon populations. Some salmon farmers have even introduced lumpfish to their farms to help control the sea lice population."

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