Southern Hemisphere Lampreys [Mordaciidae]

Description

Mordaciidae, known as Southern Hemisphere Lampreys, represents a family within the order Petromyzontiformes, distinct from their Northern counterparts in geographic distribution and some biological aspects. Southern Hemisphere Lampreys are primarily found in the southern parts of the world, including parts of Australia, South America, and possibly some regions of Africa. Like the Petromyzontidae, they have a similar life cycle that involves both freshwater and marine environments, but they are often found in regions with cooler temperatures. The Mordaciidae family includes species that have adapted to a range of ecological niches, with varying degrees of parasitic behavior. Their distribution in the Southern Hemisphere provides an interesting contrast to the predominantly Northern Hemisphere distribution of the Petromyzontidae, offering insights into the evolutionary processes that have shaped the diversity and distribution of lampreys globally.

Genera

Taxonomy