Lampreys
Lampreys
Lampreys (pronunciation: /ˈlæmpri/) are any jawless fish of the order Petromyzontiformes, placed in the superclass Cyclostomata. The adult lamprey may be characterized by a toothed, funnel-like sucking mouth.
Etymology
The term "lamprey" is derived from Latin lampetra, which may mean "stone licker" (lambere "to lick" + petra "stone").
Anatomy
Lampreys have elongated, eel-like bodies. They lack paired fins and instead, possess a series of seven gill pores on each side of the body. Lampreys have large eyes, one nostril on the top of the head, and seven gill pores on each side of the body.
Life Cycle
Lampreys start their life as burrow-dwelling larvae (ammocoetes). After several years, they transform into adults and typically move to the sea or lakes, returning to fresh water to breed.
Species
There are about 38 known species of lampreys. Some species are parasitic, feeding by boring into the flesh of other fish to suck their blood, while others are non-parasitic.
Related Terms
- Cyclostomata: The superclass that includes lampreys and hagfish.
- Petromyzontiformes: The order to which lampreys belong.
- Ammocoetes: The larval form of lampreys.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lampreys
- Wikipedia's article - Lampreys
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