Fin's Fish Guide
The Chestnut lamprey (Ichthyomyzon castaneus) is a freshwater fish of the family Petromyzontidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Freshwater of North America (Mississippi, Great Lakes, Hudson Bay basin).
Description
The chestnut lamprey is a jawless lamprey (Petromyzontidae) from the fresh waters of North America, in the Mississippi basin, the Great Lakes and the Hudson Bay drainage. The species reaches about 38 cm and has an eel-like, chestnut-brown body without jaws, with a round sucker mouth full of horny rasping plates. Adults live parasitically: they attach with the sucker to other fishes and rasp through the skin to take up body fluids and blood. The worm-like larvae (ammocoetes) live for years buried in sand and silt as filter feeders. After spawning the adults die.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chestnut lamprey?
The Chestnut lamprey has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Jawless lamprey; adults live parasitically with a rasping sucker mouth; larvae buried for years as filter feeders.
Where does the Chestnut lamprey live?
The Chestnut lamprey lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater of North America (Mississippi, Great Lakes, Hudson Bay basin).
How big does the Chestnut lamprey get?
The Chestnut lamprey grows to a maximum of about 38 cm. On average the species is around 21 cm.
Is the Chestnut lamprey dangerous to humans?
No, the Chestnut lamprey is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chestnut lamprey edible?
The Chestnut lamprey is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Ichthyomyzon
More from the family Petromyzontidae
Want the complete picture on the Chestnut lamprey?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chestnut lamprey is one of 12,519 species in the app.