Phenodeviants of the lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus (Cyclopteridae) and their survival

Abstract

Deviations in the development of the caudal peduncle in the lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus are described. Data on abiotic and biotic conditions of lumpfish’s existence in the North Atlantic are generalized. The importance of a unique niche of lumpfish in the marine ecosystem, which allows fish with greatly reduced swimming abilities (functions) to survive, is shown in the case of specimens with skeletal abnormalities.