The Bottenose

Common Name: Pacific Lamprey

Scientific Name: Entosphenus tridentatus

Type of Animal: Jawless fish (Agnatha)

Diet: Juveniles are filter-feeders. Adults are parasitic and feed on a variety of fish.

Average Lifespan in the Wild: 7-11 years

Size: 1.5-2.5 feet long

Weight: Up to 13 lbs

Range: The Pacific Rim including CA, OR, WA, AK, Japan, and Hawaii. Historically where salmon and steelhead occured. Occupy freshwater rivers as juveniles and move to open ocean as adults.

Protected Status:

Threats: Habitat degradation, river passage barriers, impacted water quality, non-invasive predators and disease.

General Description: Although they look scary, lampreys are now known to be an important part of both fresh and salt water ecosystems. These ancient jawless fish start out as filter feeders when they are young, and transform into parasitic “vampire” fish as adults. Native Americans consider them a vital source of food and medicine and their numbers have recently plummeted due to a variety of factors including intentional poisoining. Today, efforts are underway to restore lamprey populations and bring back the once vilified bloodsucker.

Why I love the Lamprey: You’ve gotta love the underdog! Lampreys look like a real-life monster and add a lot of spice to life. Plus, it‘s cool that scientists are finally realizing the EVERYTHING in nature has it‘s own important role to play in the enivornment.