Lumpfish

General

Scorpaenidae

Scorpaenidae (also known as scorpionfish) is a family of marine fish that includes many of the most venomous species. It is in the name, scorpionfish have a type of spike or sting that contains a type of venomous slimy substance. Physical characteristics of this type of fish are the compact body, many spikes on head and back and a relatively large mouth. They are widespread in tropical and temperate waters. Most subspecies live at the bottom of the sea and feed with shellfish and little fish. Scorpionfish make use of suction, generated by the oral cavity, to catch their prey.

The most well-known species in the Northesa are gurnards and redfish. The lionfish is also a scorpionfish.

Lumpfish

The lumpfish or lumpsucker has a very special appearance. This species has a roundshaped body form with bumps on its back and sides. The pelvic fins of the lumpfish form suction discs which they use to attach firmly to rocks and other surfaces. The spawning season is in early spring and when they are ready to spawn, males turn red or purple and females get a blue-greenish colour. They lay their eggs in shallow waters that are guarded by the males. Lumpfish can get up to 61 cm long and weigh 9,5 kg. They feed on jellyfish, small crustaceans, fish eggs and zooplankton. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and Baltic Sea. Lumpfish are targeted by fisheries for their eggs that are sold as a cheaper alternative for sturgeon caviar.