Least Brook Lamprey [Lampetra aepyptera]
Description
The Least Brook Lamprey is a freshwater lamprey species native to North America. It's non-parasitic, spending its entire life in freshwater environments. Adults typically reach lengths of 12-15 cm. During the larval stage, which lasts about 5 years, they live in soft sediments of clear streams, filtering organic particles from the water. Adults are distinguishable by their darkly pigmented dorsal side and silver-white belly, and they have a round mouth with small, sharp teeth.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Lampreys
Petromyzontida
|
| Order |
Northern Lampreys
Petromyzontiformes
|
| Family |
Northern Lampreys
Petromyzontidae
|
| Genus |
Least Brook Lamprey
Tetrapleurodon
|