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Siberian brook lamprey (Lethenteron kessleri) — Petromyzontidae

Siberian brook lamprey

Lethenteron kessleri

The Siberian brook lamprey (Lethenteron kessleri) is a freshwater fish of the family Petromyzontidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kuril Is.

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Description

The Siberian brook lamprey is a lamprey (Petromyzontidae) from cold, clear fresh water of Siberia and adjacent Northeast Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a slender, eel-like, jawless body with a round sucker mouth and seven gill openings. It is a non-parasitic species: the larvae live for years buried in stream beds filtering detritus, while the adults do not feed and only spawn. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Siberian brook lamprey?

The Siberian brook lamprey has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Siberian brook lamprey live?

The Siberian brook lamprey lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kuril Is.

How big does the Siberian brook lamprey get?

The Siberian brook lamprey grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Siberian brook lamprey dangerous to humans?

No, the Siberian brook lamprey is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Siberian brook lamprey sourced
Scientific name
Lethenteron kessleri
Family
Petromyzontidae
Other names
Siberian brook lamprey; Siberian lamprey; Arctic brook lamprey verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kuril Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
7.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lethenteron

More from the family Petromyzontidae

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