<< I would assume the
lumpfish we are talking about here is Cyclopterus lumpus. It occurs here
typically north of Cape Cod, where the waters are cold. Best known in
Europe, where their eggs are used for caviar. They reach up to 2 feet,
but we catch them up here along the rocky shore along the Cape Cod Canal.
In regards to keeping them in a tank, one word, CHILLER. It will be a
definite necessity, especially for the northern ranging specimens.
According to Petersons Field Guide, they can be found to Bermuda (but,
rarely). I would assume any Bermuda populations would not need a
chiller!?!?! See Petersons Field Guide, page 285.
Anyone else thinking of some other kind of lumpfish??? >>
Here is some additional info on lumpfish that I got from my Audubon guide.
"Very robust, more or less triangular-shaped in cross section; ariably
bluish, olive, brownish, reddish, greenish; paler below, often with darker
blotches and black dots. Mouth small, terminal, oblique. Pectoral fins
broad-based, almost meet at throat; pelvic fins inserted jsut behind throat,
modified to ventral sucking disc; dorsal and anal fins similar, posteriorly
placed opposite each other, not attached to truncate caudal fin. Skin rough
with 7 length-wise formed by large tubercles, tips of largest sometimes
black."
They are found primarily over rocks in shallow water. They are described as
"ungainly" and are found clinging to rocks and debris.
As far as any other Cyclopterids go, The "showy snailfish" ,Liparis
pulchellus, "has dorsal and anal fins connected to caudal fin"; and "occurs
over soft bottoms to 100 fathoms from Bering Sea to Monterey, California".
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