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Lumpfish head, SEM
Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Lumpfish larva head. The Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is a species of the lumpsucker family endemic to the North Atlantic and adjoining areas of the Arctic Ocean. They are well developed upon hatching equipped with a functional mouth and digestive system which allows them to eat relatively large food particles at an early stage. The pelvic fins are modified to form a suction cup (hence lumpsucker) that allows them to stick to rocks and the sea bottom, and so avoid being swept along by the current. Lumpfish have a well-established fishery and are caught commercially for their roe as an alternative, cheaper caviar. Magnification x60 when printed at 10cm wide. Photo by JANNICKE WIIK-NIELSEN/VETINST/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
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