Brook Lamprey
Lampetra planeri
Length 12-15cm

Intriguing resident of unpolluted streams and shallow rivers. Most of three to five year lifespan spent as larva living unobtrusively buried in silt; filters organic matter. Adults seen in April and May after metamorphosing from larvae. These congregate in shallow, stony areas to spawn. Sucker used for attachment and to move stones to create egg-laying site. Adult does not feed; dies after spawning.