Vsevolod Rudyi · Image source

Quick facts

SizeUp to 61 cm
WeightUp to 9.5 kg
LifespanUp to 13 years
DepthUp to 868 m
Water typeMarine
Best timeSpring, when the fish moves closer to shore.

About Lumpfish

Lumpfish is a distinctive North Atlantic fish that approaches coastal waters to spawn. Females and males have different traditional Icelandic names.

Characteristics

  • Common in Iceland
  • Native species
  • Commercial species

Habitat

Open ocean and coastal waters during spawning.

Diet

Jellyfish, comb jellies and other pelagic gelatinous animals.

Spawning and reproduction

Reproduction

Eggs are deposited in large masses on stony seabeds near the coast. The male guards the eggs.

Distribution around Iceland

Occurs around Iceland and moves closer to shore during spawning.
SourceLast verified: 09/09/2026