Sea Urchin Spiny Lumpsucker, Lumpsucker, Spiny Lumpsucker

Psilotrichia leucorhina, commonly known as the Sea Urchin Spiny Lumpsucker, is a unique and distinctive fish. It's characterized by its globular, heavily spined body and a large, sucker-like mouth adapted for attaching to rocks and feeding on invertebrates. The fish typically grows to a length of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). Its coloration varies, often being a mottled grey or brown, providing excellent camouflage against the rocky seabed. The “lumpsucker” name comes from its ability to secrete a thick mucus that allows it to stick to surfaces. The spiny armor is another key characteristic, offering protection from predators. They exhibit a somewhat 'primitive' appearance due to their ancient lineage.

Psilotrichia leucorhina (Sea Urchin Spiny Lumpsucker) primarily inhabits shallow, rocky coastal environments in the Aegean Sea. It's often found near reefs, seagrass beds, and areas with abundant algae, typically at depths of less than 20 meters. They prefer areas with strong currents and prefer rocky crevices for shelter. They are a benthic species, meaning they live on the seafloor.

Sea Urchin Spiny Lumpsuckers are demersal fish, meaning they live near the seabed. They begin as eggs which hatch into larvae. The larval stage is planktonic, drifting in the water column. After a period, the larvae settle onto the seabed and transform into juvenile fish. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of small invertebrates, including sea urchins, crustaceans, and small mollusks. They have a relatively slow growth rate and reach maturity around 3-4 years of age. Little is known about their specific breeding behavior, but they are believed to spawn during the spring months. Predators include larger fish and marine mammals.

The taste and consumption of Psilotrichia leucorhina is not widely documented or encouraged. It is not a commonly consumed fish in any region. Due to its less-than-ideal taste and its status as a relatively rare fish, its consumption is minimal. There are also concerns about overfishing and the impact on the species' population.