Native to the frigid seas of the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, 30 known species of the lumpsucker fish family are quite as strange-looking as their names suggest. The scientific name of Cyclopteridae comes from two Greek words: kykios, meaning round, and pteryx, meaning wing or fin. This is related to the fish’s modified ventral fin, which contains multiple adhesive discs so that it can stick to a suitable surface. Although they are relatively poor swimmers, they can evade detection by predators thanks to their ability to camouflage themselves in the rocky or muddy ocean floor at depths of about 5,600 feet. Some species are also covered with four to eight long spines to repel predators.
These fish are very popular in some Japanese aquariums, where they provide a cute backdrop for birthday parties, weddings and corporate events. They are also sometimes released in the trout fishery to kill harmful sea lice without the use of chemicals. However, they are not suitable for pets.