Strange fish caught in Togiak Bay area

Observation shared by Heidi Kritz:

Unusual fish looking type that was caught in Togiak Bay, no one has caught one before and no one is able to identify - photos sent to me by tribal member.

Comment by LEO Network Editors:

We checked through our archive and found nothing that looks like this fish. It looks like a cross between a tad pole and a piranha. A big tadpole. Yikes. We have sent this off to our friends at the Fish Pathology Lab at ADFG. They see all manner of fish. Also have copied to the Alaska Sea Life Center for this comment.

Consult by Jayde Ferguson, ADF&G:

I believe that this is a lumpsucker species, possibly a smooth lumpsucker. Another good source for fish ID is the NOAA Auke Bay/Ted Stevens Marine Research Science Institute as they have a curator that oversees their preserved fish collections. Shane Hertzog with ADF&G is also a good contact for fish ID, which I’ve cc’d. (5-12-22)

Follow Up Comments: I checked with Shane and he’s 99.9% sure it’s a smooth lumpsucker. He’s 100% sure it’s a lumpsucker species. He was waiting to hear back from a contact to confirm, but this is probably close enough. It’s within it’s species range, but a strange looking critter that are not often encountered. (May 13, 2022)

Consult by Shane Hertzog, ADF&G:

I am certain that is a smooth lumpsucker. Their teeth don't often show, but it looks like the skin and lips of that one have dried somewhat and pulled back. I am attaching a few of mine showing the teeth! Thanks - Aaron