Zviera
Lumpsucker
Cyclopterus lumpus. A fish with a suction disc and fathers that guard their eggs.
Jazyk obsahu
On its underside, the lumpsucker has a suction disc formed from fused pelvic fins. It uses this to attach itself to rocks or larger seaweeds. When moving along the bottom, it can look as though it is hopping from place to place. This movement suits a fish that uses a firm foothold rather than remaining constantly in open water.
During breeding, the male plays a particular role. He arrives first in shallow coastal waters and prepares a site among crevices in the rocky, vegetation-covered seabed. The female lays her eggs there and departs. The father takes over care of the fertilised eggs, defending them from predators and supplying oxygen-rich water.
The male directs water from his mouth onto the eggs or fans them with his pectoral fins. Care can last about two months, until the embryos complete their development. He does not feed during this period. His work involves both protecting the nest and maintaining the conditions needed by his developing young.
Pre deti
A lumpsucker can stick to a rock. Beneath its belly is a suction disc made from joined pelvic fins. It can also attach itself to large seaweeds. When it changes position on the bottom, its movements look like short hops.
In a lumpsucker family, the father looks after the eggs. The male swims into shallow coastal water and prepares a place among rocks and plants. The female lays her eggs and then leaves. The male stays and guards the future young against predators.
The eggs need oxygen. Their father directs water from his mouth over them or moves his pectoral fins like fans. This care can last around two months. During that time, the male does not eat. He tends the eggs until the little fish have finished developing inside.
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What forms a lumpsucker’s suction disc?
- Poloha
- Cold Seas, level -1, tank 801 · Gdynia Aquarium