Southern Lampreys [Geotria]

Description

Geotria is a genus of lampreys in the family Mordaciidae, commonly referred to as Southern Lampreys. These jawless fish are characterized by their anadromous life cycle, migrating from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn. Geotria lampreys are distinguished by a unique life history that includes a prolonged larval phase, known as ammocoetes, which can last several years before metamorphosing into adults. Adult Geotria are notable for their large size compared to other lamprey species, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 60 cm. They have a distinctive single nostril on the top of their head, a wide mouth with horny teeth, and a well-developed sucking disk, allowing them to attach to fish and, in some cases, marine mammals to feed on blood.

Species

Taxonomy