Pouched Lamprey [Geotria australis]
Description
The Pouched Lamprey, also known as the Southern Lamprey, is a species of lamprey native to the Southern Hemisphere. This species exhibits anadromous behavior, meaning they migrate from the sea into fresh water to spawn. Adult Pouched Lampreys are distinguished by a large, satchel-like pouch below the gill openings, which is unique to this species. They are also characterized by a large oral disc, seven gill openings on each side of the body, and a dorsal fin divided into two parts.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Lampreys
Petromyzontida
|
| Order |
Northern Lampreys
Petromyzontiformes
|
| Family |
Southern Hemisphere Lampreys
Mordaciidae
|
| Genus |
Southern Lampreys
Geotria
|