The Eel sucker (Petromyzon marinus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Petromyzontidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Description
The sea lamprey is a jawless, eel-shaped cyclostome of the family Petromyzontidae reaching about 120 cm. Instead of jaws it has a round sucker mouth full of concentric rows of horny teeth and a rasping tongue; seven round gill openings lie behind each eye. The slimy, scaleless body is yellow-brown with dark marbling. Adults live parasitically at sea: they attach with the sucker to large fish and feed on blood and tissue. To spawn they ascend rivers in spring, dig a nest in gravel and die after reproducing. The worm-like larvae live for years buried in the river bed before transforming and migrating to sea.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eel sucker?
The Eel sucker has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the Eel sucker live?
The Eel sucker lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Eel sucker get?
The Eel sucker grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Eel sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Eel sucker is harmless to humans.
Is the Eel sucker edible?
The Eel sucker is rarely eaten.
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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More from the family Petromyzontidae
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