Fin's Fish Guide
The Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Petromyzontidae that grows up to 120 cm.
North Atlantic on both sides; spawns in rivers of Europe and eastern North America.
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 Sea lamprey?
The Sea lamprey has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Jawless, eel-shaped cyclostome with a round sucker mouth full of horny teeth and seven gill openings behind each eye; adults live parasitically on large fishes.
Where does the Sea lamprey live?
The Sea lamprey lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic on both sides; spawns in rivers of Europe and eastern North America.
How big does the Sea lamprey get?
The Sea lamprey grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Sea lamprey dangerous to humans?
No, the Sea lamprey is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sea lamprey edible?
The Sea lamprey is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sea lamprey and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Petromyzontidae
Want the complete picture on the Sea lamprey?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sea lamprey is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone