Fischatlas
Back to species list

Photo/video material for this species is still being prepared.

Sea lamprey

Meerneunauge

Scientific name: Petromyzon marinus

NativeMarineMigratory

Behavior

A classic anadromous parasite: parasitizes fish at sea, then migrates upstream to spawn in freshwater once mature and dies afterward.

Features

The largest lamprey species (70-100 cm), grey-green with dark marbling. Endangered in Europe, but invasive in North America.

Distribution

Both sides of the North Atlantic. In Germany mainly along the North Sea and Baltic coasts and their rivers.