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Pacific Lamprey
Entosphenus tridentatus
BothPetromyzontidaeSpecies of Concern
About
The Pacific Lamprey is an anadromous jawless fish characterized by a toothed, funnel-like sucking mouth. As adults, they are parasitic, attaching to other fish to feed on their blood and body fluids, while juveniles (ammocoetes) are filter feeders.
- Average size
- 20-30 inches
- Colors
- Adults are typically brown or gray, sometimes with darker blotches. Ammocoetes are a translucent whitish color.
- Diet
- Adults are parasitic, feeding on the blood and body fluids of other fish. Ammocoetes are filter feeders, consuming algae, detritus, and microorganisms.
- Region
- West Coast of the United States, from Alaska to California