'', better known as the smooth lumpfish Lumpsuckers are named appropriately enough; their portly bodies are nearly
spherical with generally drab coloration and lithic patterns. The "sucker" part refers to the fish's modified
pelvic fins, which have evolved into
adhesive discs (located ventrally, behind the pectoral fins); the fish use these discs to adhere to the
substrate. Many species have bony, wart-like
tubercles adorning the head and body; these are important
taxonomic features of the family. The simple, rounded fins are small with the exception of the broad, fan-like pectorals, which actually extend ventrally. The first of the two
dorsal fins is spinous, with 4–8 spines; in some species, this fin is completely overgrown with skin and therefore not visible. While the
lateral line in lumpsuckers is otherwise reduced or absent, it is well developed in the head; some species even have tubular, whisker-like external projections of the
opercular canal, which is a part of the
cranial lateral line system. The relatively small mouths of lumpsuckers are lined with narrow rows of small
conical teeth. The
gas bladder is absent. In terms of length, lumpsuckers range in size from in the case of
Eumicrotremus awae up to more than in the case of the common lumpsucker
Cyclopterus lumpus.
and Eumicrotremus orbis'' demonstrating adhesive pelvic discs. == Habitat and diet ==