Northern Lampreys [Petromyzontidae]

Description

The Petromyzontidae family, commonly known as Northern Lampreys, comprises species of jawless fish belonging to the order Petromyzontiformes. These eel-like vertebrates are characterized by their toothed, funnel-like sucking mouth. Northern lampreys are primarily found in temperate regions and are known for their anadromous life cycle, where they spend a significant part of their lives in saltwater as adults before migrating to freshwater to spawn. The larvae, known as ammocoetes, live in freshwater and are filter feeders, contrasting with the parasitic feeding habits of many adult lampreys which attach to other fish to consume their blood or body fluids. This family includes both species that are parasitic in their adult stage and those that do not feed post-metamorphosis, dying shortly after spawning. The lifecycle and ecological roles of Petromyzontidae members make them subjects of interest in studies on vertebrate evolution and ecology.

Genera

Taxonomy