Sea lamprey  (Petromyzon marinus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Authentication

Information authenticated by the Environment Agency:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

Glossary

  • Anadromous: in fish: those species that spend most of their lives at sea but migrate to fresh water to spawn.
  • Dorsal fin: the unpaired fin found on the back of the body of fish, or the raised structure on the back of most cetaceans.
  • Larvae: stage in an animal’s lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
  • Spawning: the production or depositing of large quantities of eggs in water.
  • Vertebrates: animals with a backbone.

References

  1. IUCN Red List (November, 2008)
    http://www.iuncredlist.org
  2. Environment Agency. (1998) Species Awareness leaflet Number 5. Lamprey.Environment Agency, Bristol.
  3. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers: River, Brook and Sea Lamprey (September, 2008)
    http://www.english-nature.org.uk/lifeinukrivers/species/lamprey.html
  4. Fishbase (January, 2002)
    http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=2530&genusname=Petromyzon&speciesname=marinus
  5. Cihar, J. (1991) A Field Guide in Colour to Freshwater Fish.Aventium Publishing, Prague.
  6. Davies, C., Shelley, J., Harding, P., McLean, I., Gardiner, R. and Peirson, G. (2004) Freshwater Fishes in Britain – The Species and their Distribution.Harley Books, Colchester.
  7. JNCC (September, 2008)
    http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/species.asp?FeatureIntCode=S1095
  8. Life in UK Rivers Project (October, 2002)
    http://www.english-nature.org.uk/LIFEinUKRivers/index.html
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