Publication Date:
2021-07-08
Description:
The life cycle of the river lamprey, L. fluviatilis, is reviewed. The larval lamprey, or ammocoete, is a blind, filter-feeding animal, which normally lies concealed in the silt deposits of streams and rivers. After a period of 3-5 years in fresh water the ammocoete undergoes a metamorphosis in the summer months into a sexually immature, non-feeding stage known as the macrophthalia, which is active. This stage migrates downstream in late winter. It adopts a parasitic existence, in intertidal areas. After 18 months it returns to spawn in fresh water, after a final freshwater stage lasting up to 9 months. The river lamprey dies within a few days after the spawning period of 3-4 weeks, and none survive to spawn the following year.
Keywords:
Biology
;
Ecology
;
Fisheries
;
Life cycle
;
Physiology
;
Lampetra fluviatilis
;
Annual report
Repository Name:
AquaDocs
Type:
book_section
,
FALSE
Format:
application/pdf
Format:
application/pdf
Format:
40-46
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