Fin's Fish Guide
The Po brook lamprey (Lethenteron zanandreai) is a freshwater fish of the family Petromyzontidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Endemic to the fresh water of northern Italy and adjacent Adriatic river basins, in clear streams, springs and canals with sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The Po brook lamprey is an eel-shaped, jawless lamprey of the family Petromyzontidae reaching about 18 cm. Instead of jaws it has a round sucking mouth; behind the head lie seven gill openings, and pectoral and pelvic fins are absent. The species is endemic to the fresh water of northern Italy and adjacent Adriatic drainages, in clear streams, springs and canals. The worm-like larvae (ammocoetes) live buried in the soft bottom for years, filtering organic matter. Unlike the parasitic lampreys the Po brook lamprey is non-parasitic: the adults no longer feed, spawn on gravel in spring and then die. Through water pollution, water abstraction and the loss of springs it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Po brook lamprey?
The Po brook lamprey has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped, jawless lamprey with a round sucker mouth and seven gill openings; a non-parasitic brook lamprey that no longer feeds as an adult.
Where does the Po brook lamprey live?
The Po brook lamprey lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to the fresh water of northern Italy and adjacent Adriatic river basins, in clear streams, springs and canals with sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Po brook lamprey get?
The Po brook lamprey grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Po brook lamprey dangerous to humans?
No, the Po brook lamprey is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Po brook lamprey edible?
The Po brook lamprey is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lethenteron
More from the family Petromyzontidae
Want the complete picture on the Po brook lamprey?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Po brook lamprey is one of 12,519 species in the app.