The European river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Petromyzontidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The European river lamprey is a jawless, eel-shaped cyclostome of the family Petromyzontidae reaching about 50 cm. Instead of jaws it has a round sucker mouth full of horny teeth and a rasping tongue; seven round gill openings lie behind each eye. The slimy, scaleless body is yellow-brown. The species is anadromous: adults live at sea and in river mouths, where they temporarily attach parasitically to fish to feed on blood and tissue. In autumn and winter they run up rivers to spawn on gravel in spring, after which they die. The worm-like larvae live for years buried in the river bed filtering detritus, before transforming and migrating to sea.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European river lamprey?
The European river lamprey has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the European river lamprey live?
The European river lamprey lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the European river lamprey get?
The European river lamprey grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the European river lamprey dangerous to humans?
No, the European river lamprey is harmless to humans.
Is the European river lamprey edible?
The European river lamprey is rarely eaten.
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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
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