Dec 2, 2006

No More Fishing for Me

If I caught this while fishing I would drop my pole and abandon the sport forever. Can you imagine looking down your line and seeing one of these things looking back at you? Man am I glad these suckers stay in the deep sea.

By the way, can anyone identify it for me?

Thanks for the photo, Peer.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

The way the left fin is splayed out (like toesies), it looks like the thing is evolving right before your eyes!
I have no idea what this is, other than ugly...

Anonymous said...

Well, heck, when I went to save this picture (yeah, I have no life), I noticed that it's called a "lumpfish." They are commonly known as lumpfish (lovely) or lumpsuckers (even more lovely). The family name is Cyclopteridae, meaning "circle fin." I think something got lost in the translation. According to the Wikipedia entry, it also inflates as a defense mechanism; I think this one is racheting up its PSIs.

Jess Haskins said...

You're right, it is evolving. Look at those feet! Abandoning it in the water may not be an option.

But what beautiful, expressive eyes!

Anonymous said...

Egad! It looks like a fish out of a Grimm's fairytale. "Hey, buddy - don't kill me! I'll give ye a wish!"

Raging Wombat said...

I didn't think it was actually called a lumpfish. That's me being presumptive and lame.

If it is evolving onto land, then I will have to evolve some wings to take to the skies.

Anonymous said...

It looks like a "smooth lumpsucker" to me. The pelvic fins are modified into a "suction cup" like disc. I'm not sure where this was caught, but I've seen lots in the Bering Sea.

Anonymous said...

Beware! It´s a Deep One! Dagon Rlyeh Pthlui! Cthulhu Eaaaaghh! Yog-Sothoth!

Jack Ruttan said...

Looks like the Bank Manager who's about to turn down your loan application.

Raging Wombat said...

I'm glad you all know your lump fish better than me. My knowledge is woefully inadequate.

Unknown said...

It looks a heck of a lot like the creature from the Black Lagoon to me.

Raging Wombat said...

Xan, you're right. Kickin' it old school. I like it.

Anonymous said...

This lumpfish is fat.

Anonymous said...

seriously that thing is FREAKY!!!!!!! That is soooo not kosher dude!

Anonymous said...

I read somewhere that this was a blob sculpin fish, but I'm not sure if I'm entirely correct at classifying it that.

Caitlin said...

They're actually pretty cute when they're babies.

Unknown said...

It's a Blobfish (seriously). Scientific name: Psychrolutes marcidus. They are currently facing extinction due to deep-sea fishing. Poor little guys can't help the way they lokk!