Of all the bizarre ways that marine creatures have evolved over the millennia to better adapt to their environment, one that never fails to elicit curiosity is the lumpsucker. With a name based purely on visual characteristics, the lumpsucker is a small, rotund fish that somewhat resembles a puffer fish. Still, the really interesting part of its anatomy is its pelvic fins, which have evolved into adhesive discs, or “suckers.” These sucker fins allow the lumpsucker to stick securely to ocean substrates, where it can remain stationary while it seeks out prey.
Like the puffer fish, this bizarre little fish is not a strong swimmer, relying only on a tail fin and small pectoral fins for propulsion through the water column. Its ability to adhere to surfaces is crucial to its survival in feeding and self-defense. The lumpsucker feeds on sessile invertebrates, including marine worms, mollusks, and small crustaceans. However, some pelagic species prey on jellies, which this awkward fish can quickly pursue and overtake. Because of their comedic appearance and relatively docile temperament, lumpsuckers are popular among aquarists, who often love to showcase their adhesive properties on their hands.
Check out the lumpsucker in action in this video, who seems to have captured the bemusement of its tank mate.
