The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Lampreys

Sea Lamprey, Petromyzus marinus

Physical Description:
ï¿½ Two dorsal fins, no paired fins, 7 gill openings
ï¿½ Mouth is as wide or wider than head
ï¿½ Black mottling on back, side, and fins, silvery-white belly
ï¿½ Teeth curved and sharp

Similar species:
ï¿½ American Brook Lamprey (Lampetra appendix)

Mean body size:
ï¿½ Adults are 130-900 mm total length

Habitat:
ï¿½ Adults found in lakes and the ocean
ï¿½ Enter freshwater to spawn
ï¿½ Ammocoetes (larvae) burrow in silt
ï¿½ Juveniles may overwinter in fresh water or migrate to estuarine or coastal marine areas

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½ Coastal streams and rivers in Atlantic slope drainages

Food Habits:
ï¿½ Larvae are filter feeders (eat algae and protozoans)
ï¿½ Larval stage lasts four to five years
ï¿½ Juveniles are parasitic on fish
ï¿½ Mature adults do not feed

Reproductive Habits:
ï¿½ Anadromous fish (migrate upstream to spawn)
ï¿½ Both male and female build nest above riffles
ï¿½ Males territorial and monogamous
ï¿½ Migrations peak in April and May
ï¿½ Adults die after spawning

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance:
ï¿½ Sea lampreys caused rapid and massive depletion of important fish species after being introduced into the Great Lakes.
ï¿½ Lamprey control by chemicals, dams, and trapping have limited success
ï¿½ Ammocoetes are used as bait

References:

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

Page, L. M., B.M. Burr. Freshwater Fishes, Houghton Mifflin Co, Boston, MA.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):

Mountain Brook Lamprey

Ohio Lamprey

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