A primitive lamprey introduced to Great Lakes via shipping canals. Devastating to native lake trout populations.

Also called: Sea Lamprey, Great Lakes Lamprey

Native status: Native to Atlantic; invasive in Great Lakes

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 60–80 cm; record 120 cm
Weight400 g–1.5 kg
LifespanAdults 1–2 years parasitic + 4–8 years freshwater larvae
OrderPetromyzontiformes
FamilyPetromyzontidae

§ Encyclopedia

The sea lamprey is a parasitic lamprey native to the Northern Hemisphere. It is sometimes referred to as the "vampire fish".

Source: Wikipedia — Sea lamprey Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long eel-shaped jawless fish; round suctorial mouth lined with horny teeth; seven gill openings on each side; no paired fins; brown to olive coloration.

Similar species. Pacific Lamprey (different ocean). Silver Lamprey (smaller; native). Eels (different mouth; jaws).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: parasitic on large fish — attach with suctorial mouth and rasp through skin to drink blood and tissue. Larvae: filter detritus.

Behavior. Native to Atlantic but invasive in Great Lakes (entered via Welland Canal opening 1932). Devastated Lake Trout populations; caused collapse of Great Lakes fisheries. Managed at ~$30M/year through chemical lamprecide (TFM), barriers, and sterile-male release. Each sea lamprey can kill up to 18 kg of fish during its parasitic life stage.

§ Range

Native to Atlantic; invasive in Great Lakes

§ Habitat

Atlantic Ocean; Great Lakes

§ Threats

In Great Lakes: they're the threat to native fishes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the sea lamprey (invasive) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

In Great Lakes: support lamprey control programs.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Great Lakes Fishery Commission
  • USFWS Marquette Biological Station
  • NOAA Sea Grant
  • IUCN Red List 2008