Silver lamprey (Ichthyomyzon unicuspis) fish species and information / pictures of Silver lamprey - Ichthyomyzon unicuspis

Silver lamprey (Ichthyomyzon unicuspis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Ichthyomyzon unicuspis

Common Name
Silver lamprey

Biology
Feeding adults are usually found attached to other fishes in large rivers, lakes, and impoundments. They migrate upriver to spawn in gravel riffles and runs. Ammocoetes occur in sandy or muddy pools and backwaters where they stay as larvae for about 4 to 7 years. Adults are parasitic for 1 to 2 years. Semelparous. Listed as anadromous species in Ref. 51243.

Classification

Classified By
Hubbs & Trautman, 1937
Class
Lampreys (Cephalaspidomorphi)
Order
Lampreys (Petromyzontiformes)
Family
Lampreys (Petromyzontidae)

Distribution

Region
North America
Distribution
North America: Mississippi drainage and the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay and the St. Lawrence River. Readily distinguishable from the sea lamprey by its single dorsal fin.
Range
59°N - 30°N

Environment

Climate
Temperate
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous
Trophic Level
4.5 s.e. 0.80 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
39.0 cm
Common Length
20.1 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5156 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Bait: occasionally
Vulnerability
High vulnerability (60 of 100)
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tmax=8; tm=6; Fec=10,800)
Threat To Humans
Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
Not Evaluated