Family: Petromyzontidae (lamprey)

Scientific Profile - University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology

5 species of lamprey inhabit the Great Lakes watershed. These lamprey species may be distinguished by the form of the dorsal fin(s), number of body segments, and teeth. Larval (young) lamprey are generally distinguished by their pigment patterns (color). Although both the native chestnut and silver lampreys are parasitic on fish as adults, only the invasive sea lamprey has serious impacts on fish populations.

Distribution and Habitat

N = Native, I= Introduced (exotic), X = Extinct, P = Extirpated

Image/Link	Scientific Name	Common Name	Lake Superior	Lake Michigan	Lake Huron	Lake Erie	Lake Ontario	Habitat
	Ichthyomyzon castaneus	chestnut lamprey		N				tributaries and open lake
	Ichthyomyzon fossor	northern brook lamprey	N	N	N	N		stream/creek
	Ichthyomyzon unicuspis	silver lamprey	N	N	N	N	N	river/littoral/benthic
	Lampetra appendix	American brook lamprey	N	N	N	N	N	stream/creek
	Petromyzon marinus	sea lamprey	I	I	I	I	N	tributaries and open lake, euryhaline

Table modified from "The Life of the Lakes: A Guide to the Great Lakes Fishery" MI Sea Grant Extension, Michigan State University.

Species Profiles

Ichthyomyzon castaneus - chestnut lamprey
Profile - Natural History of Minnesota Fishes Scientific Profile - University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology	Native. Larvae filter feed on and in the bottom. Parasitic adult. Adult size: 30cm.
Natural History of Minnesota Fishes	University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

 

Ichthyomyzon fossor - northern brook lamprey
Scientific Profile - University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology	Native, freshwater, non-parasitic. Adult size: 15cm.
Natural History of Minnesota Fishes	University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

Ichthyomyzon unicuspis - silver lamprey
Profile - Inland Fishes of New York s Scientific Profile - University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology	Native, freshwater, parasitic. Adult size: 35cm.
Inland Fishes of New York	University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

 

Lampetra appendix - American brook lamprey
Profile - Natural History of Minnesota Fishes Scientific Profile - University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology	Small to medium cool, clear streams. Native, freshwater, non-parasitic. Larvae filter feed on or in the bottom. Adults do not eat. Adult size: 10 inches (20cm).
Natural History of Minnesota Fishes	University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

 

Petromyzon marinus - sea lamprey
Fact Sheet - MN Sea Grant Profile - WI Sea Grant Scientific Profile - Fishes of Wisconsin Scientific Profile - University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology Scientific Profile - USGS Nonindigenous Species Database Sea Lamprey Control - Great Lakes Fishery Commission Interactive Educational Videos - Great Lakes Fishery Commission Access to Scientific Research - SGNIS U of M Fish Collection Database University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Fish Field Notes GLIN: Sea lamprey Inland Fishes of New York GLANSIS	Invasive, fresh or salt water, parasitic. Adult size: 55cm.
Sea lamprey fishtank - Great Lakes Fishery Commission	Additional drawings/artwork: GLERL Photo Gallery Sea lamprey fishtank - Great Lakes Fishery Commission Inland Fishes of New York USGS Nonindigenous Species Database Additional Photos: GLERL Photo Gallery Sea lamprey fishtank - Great Lakes Fishery Commission GLNPO - Great Lakes Invasives University of Michigan Museum of Zoology USGS Nonindigenous Species Database

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