Pacific Lamprey [Entosphenus]

Description

Entosphenus is a genus within the family Petromyzontidae, including species known as the Pacific lampreys. These lampreys are anadromous, living in the Pacific Ocean for the majority of their adult lives before migrating upriver to freshwater habitats to spawn. They exhibit a unique lifecycle that begins with a larval stage, during which they are blind and burrow into riverbeds for several years before maturing. Entosphenus species are characterized by their elongated bodies, lack of jaws, and a single nostril on the top of their heads. They play a crucial ecological role as prey for various marine and freshwater species.

Species

Pacific Lamprey [Entosphenus tridentatus]

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Western River Lamprey [Lampetra ayresi]

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Vancouver Lamprey [Lampetra macrostoma]

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Taxonomy