Fin's Fish Guide
The Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Petromyzontidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Fresh water of Europe, in clean, flowing streams and the upper reaches of rivers with a sandy or gravel bottom.
Description
The brook lamprey is a small, jawless cyclostome of the family Petromyzontidae reaching about 20 cm. Instead of jaws it has a round sucker mouth with weak horny teeth; seven round gill openings lie behind each eye and the slimy, scaleless body is yellow-brown. Unlike the sea and river lampreys the brook lamprey never lives parasitically: the worm-like larvae filter detritus and algae from the sand and gravel bed of clean streams for years, and the adults do not feed at all. After metamorphosis they spawn in flowing water in spring and then die. The species occurs in clean streams and headwaters of Europe and is sensitive to pollution; in the Netherlands it is protected.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brook lamprey?
The Brook lamprey has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small, jawless cyclostome with a round sucking mouth and seven gill openings behind each eye; the adults do not feed and are not parasitic.
Where does the Brook lamprey live?
The Brook lamprey lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Europe, in clean, flowing streams and the upper reaches of rivers with a sandy or gravel bottom.
How big does the Brook lamprey get?
The Brook lamprey grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 16 cm.
Is the Brook lamprey dangerous to humans?
No, the Brook lamprey is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brook lamprey edible?
The Brook lamprey is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Brook lamprey and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lampetra
More from the family Petromyzontidae
Want the complete picture on the Brook lamprey?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brook lamprey is one of 12,519 species in the app.