Sea Lamprey

Petromyzon marinus

Sea Lamprey

This jawless fish keeps a funnel mouth ringed with rasping teeth, which it fastens onto a host to feed on blood and body fluids. Some populations live out their lives in fresh water, while others run from rivers to the sea and back to spawn. It begins life as a blind larva buried in stream mud, filtering food for years before it transforms.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Petromyzonti › Petromyzontiformes › Petromyzontidae › Petromyzon

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 101174.

FAQ

How deep does the Sea Lamprey live?
The Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is typically found at 1–4099 m.
Is the Sea Lamprey dangerous to divers?
The Sea Lamprey is harmless to divers.
How big does the Sea Lamprey get?
The Sea Lamprey grows to about 1.2 m.