The Annual Lumpsucker Rodeo

The Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker (Eumicrotremis orbis) is a small and elusive ichthyoid denizen of the Pacific Northwest. Its pelvic fins form adhesive discs which allow it to cling to a variety of smooth surfaces. They are very poor swimmers and therefor rely heavily on camouflage to survive. They are often found attached to eel grass or rocks in the shallow, intertidal area where they appear to congregate in order to mate and spawn. This generally happens in the fall to winter months, followed by several months in the spring when it is possible to find hatchling Lumpsuckers lingering in the comparably warm shallow water.

Starting in October, it has been a fun challenge to spot 100 of them before the end of the year. It's a lot like an egg hunt with the added bonus that they make excellent subjects for macro photography. They can appear in widely varying sizes and colors — ranging from white to gold, blue-green, orange, brown, or red.

The First Annual Lumpsucker Rodeo began in 2011 and was attended by just a half-dozen divers. The highest total number seen was 51 Lumpsuckers over just 11 dives. It happens to be a busy time of year and the event was created to provide some extra incentive to get in the water.

No matter which way they turn, it seems they are looking at you in stunned horror. ©Scott Okumura

The 2012 poster featuring Mr. Peck as the ill-fated Captain Ahab. So damn serious, that man. ©Scott Okumura

The usual expression when a Lumpy is presented with a reflection of itself. ©Scott Okumura

The first poster with the Rodeo theme. ©Scott Okumura

The original 2011 score card design. ©Scott Okumura

2012 score card with color and size variations added. Also added is a code for tracking locations where the sightings occurred. Before the Rodeo (from January to September), 150 Lumpsuckers were seen (including hatchlings <1cm). It's unlikely I will find 300, but a boy can dream. ©Scott Okumura

A pea-sized hatchling on matching red wrack kelp. ©Scott Okumura

An unusual white coloration. ©Scott Okumura

A nice clean profile while the Lumpsucker was swimming erratically — a lucky shot. ©Scott Okumura

Showing off. ©Scott Okumura

A complimentary sticker for the hordes of participants. ©Scott Okumura