The lamprey fish is considered one of the most beautiful and mysterious marine creatures. It has received wide attention from researchers and marine life enthusiasts, because of its transparent appearance that makes anyone who sees it believe that they are in a rare alien world.
The lamprey has a great ability to transform. It dazzles with its changing colors and faint night glow. In addition to its main role in marine life by maintaining the balance of the ecosystem in the oceans.
The most important details related to lamprey fish, in terms of characteristics, reproduction, habitat, food, and other information:Let’s explore more about these fascinating creatures from teke trek
About the lamprey fish
Glowing Jellyfish is one of the most prominent types of transparent marine fish. It belongs to the Jellyfish family, Chordata phylum.
It is known by the scientific name (Petromyzontiformes). It is also called Cephalapidomorphi. But it is worth noting that it is not always considered a real fish, because it is very different from other fish.
At the beginning, we must point out that lamprey fish was one of the most preferred foods by the ancient Romans. It was highly sought after by the wealthy European aristocracy. This is due to its full, meaty taste that is distinct from other fish.
Lampreys have a relatively simple brain, so scientists have paid great attention to studying lampreys extensively. The most important finding when researching the tectum of the midbrain of lamprey fish was that electrical stimulation would stimulate swimming activity, lateral bending movements, and eye movements.
Types of lamprey fish:
Lampreys are divided into two main types:
The first type of lamprey: It is the large migratory type that settles in the sea, then goes to fresh water to mate. That is, it leaves the sea and heads towards the rivers at the end of summer. Then he stops eating and his stomach shrinks.
The second type of lamprey: It lives in fresh water throughout its life.
Habitat and distribution of lamprey fish:
We can find lampreys in different regions around the world. But its origin goes back to the Atlantic Ocean, where it can be seen widely in Europe and the coasts of North America. Knowing that its origin in the ecosystem goes back to the Connecticut River.
In the first part of the 20th century, a clear expansion of lamprey habitats into Lake Champlain and the Great Lakes by travel was observed. Where lampreys, invasive and parasitic species work in new habitats.
Specifications of lamprey fish:
We can distinguish lamprey fish from other species by the following:
The lamprey is 12 to 20 inches long.
The lamprey weighs from 8 to 13 pounds.
The body of the lamprey fish resembles the shape of an eel. Some of them are brown to black on the back, and yellow to light brown on the abdomen.
The lamprey fish is distinguished by its large, round mouth. Within which we notice strong circular rows of teeth.
The lamprey fish is jawless.
Lamprey fish have reddish eyes.
The lamprey has one nostril on the top of its head.
The lamprey fish breathes through the gills, which are located behind the eyes, which contain 7 openings.
Lamprey fish lack bones.
Lampreys have one or two dorsal and one caudal fin.
The lamprey has a nose that helps it attach itself to rocks, and helps it prey on other fish.
The anus of the lamprey fish is evident on the ventral side of the base of the tail.
Mating in lamprey fish:
It should be noted at the beginning that the lamprey spends about 10 years in fresh water, then migrates to the ocean to remain there for about two years. During this period, it matures and returns to fresh water to lay eggs.
Lamprey mating usually occurs in the spring. To lay up to 100,000 eggs in stone nests. But it should be noted that lampreys die immediately after laying eggs. Knowing that a large number of these eggs are used as food for many other fish.
What is the food of lamprey fish?
The lamprey depends for its food on absorbing the body fluids and blood of other fish. What helps it most in this matter is that it has a sharp tongue and sharp teeth that make it easy to damage the skin of the prey and stimulate blood flow.
The lamprey attacks both large and small fish, with many large fish surviving its attack. However, small fish are easy prey because they cause subsequent injuries and serious wounds
It should be noted that lampreys usually like to catch trout, whitefish and chub. In addition to many other fish that belong to the small invertebrate family.
What are the most important frequently asked questions about lamprey fish?
A large number of people who are researchers and interested in the marine world are asking a number of questions about the distinctive lamprey fish, the most important of which we will mention below:
1- Does lamprey cause harm to the ecosystem?
Yes, many studies have proven that lampreys have a significant impact on the ecosystem. This is because it preys on a large number of marine fish species. Therefore, many people have resorted to using chemicals to prevent the spread of lampreys into sensitive lakes and rivers.
2- What is the average lifespan of a lamprey fish?
The average lifespan of a lamprey fish is 14 years.
3- Who are the natural enemies of lampreys?
Whales.
Large predatory fish including sharks and tuna.
Seabirds such as pelicans and seagulls.
Jellyfish and octopus.
4- How are lampreys raised in fish farms?
Lamprey fish are reared by choosing a site that has suitable conditions such as availability of oxygen, water quality, and temperature.
Prepare clean ponds, which must contain a filtration system that ensures water quality.
Choose healthy, disease-free fish.
Providing balanced food that contains nutrients suitable for the growth of lamprey fish.
Continuously monitor the health of lamprey fish and take the necessary measures.
Paying attention to the farm’s cleanliness and continuous maintenance.
What do lampreys feed on?
This type of fish feeds on the blood of victims.
Is the narrative intrusive?
Yes, lampreys are parasitic fish.
Do lampreys drink blood?
Yes, Since lampreys are parasitic on other fish, they suck their blood.
Is lamprey poisonous?
Some types of squid are poisonous and should be cleaned before cooking.
In conclusion, we can say that the lamprey is
one of the most prominent marine fish that inhabits fresh waters, and is unique in its beauty and bright colors.
Through our knowledge of this type of fish, we conclude that the lamprey embodies the desire for stability, and a vivid and clear example of the war for survival and continuity in life.
