American Brook Lamprey [Lethenteron appendix]
Description
The American Brook Lamprey is a non-parasitic lamprey found in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins, from southern Canada to northern Alabama in the United States. Adult brook lampreys measure 13 to 20 centimeters in length. Unlike many other lampreys, the American Brook Lamprey does not feed after reaching adulthood; instead, it focuses solely on reproduction. The species has a short, round mouth and sharp teeth, though they are not used for feeding.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Lampreys
Petromyzontida
|
| Order |
Northern Lampreys
Petromyzontiformes
|
| Family |
Northern Lampreys
Petromyzontidae
|
| Genus |
Sea Lamprey
Petromyzon
|