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sea lamprey

Petromyzon marinus

Near Threatened

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About

An ancient parasitic jawless fish that has persisted largely unchanged for 360 million years, sea lampreys have elongated, eel-like bodies reaching 90 cm and a distinctive sucker-like mouth ringed with sharp teeth used to rasp flesh from host fish. Native to the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea, anadromous populations migrate from the ocean into freshwater streams to spawn. Invasive in the Great Lakes since the 1830s, where they decimated commercial fisheries until lamprey control programs were implemented.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas, among 4 distinct biome types spanning the Australasia and Indomalayan realms. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Widely distributed across Asia (Indonesia), Europe (4 countries), and North America (Canada, United States). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

🇧🇪 Belgium 🇨🇦 Canada 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇺🇸 United States

Conservation Status

NT Near Threatened

Full Taxonomy

Petromyzonti (Petromyzonti)

Order

Petromyzontiformes (lamprey)

Species

Petromyzon marinus (sea lamprey)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Amprea

French lamproie de mer, grande lamproie

German Meeresneunauge

Portuguese Lampreia

Russian Morskaja minoga

Turkish Bofa balığı

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of sea lamprey?

The scientific name of sea lamprey is Petromyzon marinus. It belongs to the genus Petromyzon.

What is the conservation status of sea lamprey?

sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.

Where does sea lamprey live?

sea lamprey is found in Widely distributed across Asia (Indonesia), Europe (4 countries), and North America (Canada, United States). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.. Countries include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Indonesia, Norway, Sweden, United States.

What family does sea lamprey belong to?

sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) belongs to the genus Petromyzon, which is part of the taxonomic family Petromyzontidae.

What kingdom does sea lamprey belong to?

sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).