scubaseason

Lumpsucker

Cyclopterus lumpus

Sighting evidence at Árskógssandur Kelp Forest, Eyjafjörður

Lumpsuckers appear in the shallows from late winter through spring, with males arriving first to guard egg masses attached to rocks in the kelp zone. Males fan and oxygenate the eggs relentlessly for weeks, showing extraordinary parental care unusual in cold-water fish. Females are larger and spotted purple-green, while males turn vivid orange-red during the breeding season.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Lumpsucker is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites