Cyclopteridae
by D. L. Stein
Small to moderately large fishes (one species reaches 61 cm in length). Distinguished in the area by presence of a ventral sucking disc formed of the modified pelvic fins, 2 dorsal fins and bony or wart-like tubercles (but no scales) on the body. Body of most species globose or nearly so. Head often very large, reaching half SL; nostrils 2 on each side; eyes small, located laterally on head; mouth small or moderately large; teeth small, conical, arranged on jaws in a few rows or narrow bands; gill opening small, in all except one species located completely above level of uppermost pectoral finray. Pectoral fins long-based, extending ventrally in front of sucking disc; anal fin short; caudal fin well developed. Skin often very thick, sometimes very wrinkled. Juveniles commonly do not fit adult descriptions.
Benthic on soft and various types of hard bottoms, occasionally captured in shells or attached to stones or seaweed. Adults are generally in relatively deep water (100-400 m) but rarely as deep as 900 m. The young often occur in shallower waters than the adults. Little is known of the behaviour of most species, but some are known to migrate into shallow (sometimes intertidal) depths to spawn. Several species display parental care of the eggs. Adults are probably quite sedentary otherwise; the sucking disc is used to attach to rocks and other hard surfaces. Feeding habits are not well known, but some species are known to eat a wide variety of small benthic invertebrates such as polychaetes, crustaceans and molluscs. Occasionally small fishes are eaten, and one species (C. lumpus) eats ctenophores and medusae. All species are apparently oviparous; the adhesive eggs are relatively large and are laid in protected areas. Commercial importance is small; the roe of C. lumpus is processed and sold as lumpfish caviar. The adults of the same species are occasionally eaten.
Genera 7; in Clofnam area 3.
Recent revision: Ueno (1970).