sea lamprey

The sea lamprey is a jawless fish native to the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a long, eel-like body and a distinctive round, sucker-like mouth filled with sharp teeth. Sea lampreys are known for their parasitic behavior; they attach to other fish and feed on their blood and bodily fluids. In the 20th century, they invaded the Great Lakes, causing significant harm to local fish populations and disrupting ecosystems. Efforts to control their spread include chemical treatments and barriers to prevent them from accessing certain waterways. Their unique biology and impact on ecosystems make them an important focus of study.