Western Brook Lamprey and Similar Species
Lampetra richardsoni
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Western Brook Lamprey. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Pacific Lamprey
Entosphenus tridentatus
Key differences: Pacific Lamprey is an anadromous, parasitic species that grows much larger (up to 80 cm). Adults have three distinct cusps on the supraoral lamina (a plate above the mouth opening) and sharp, well-developed teeth. Western Brook Lamprey is non-parasitic, smaller, and has a single, blunt supraoral lamina and blunt teeth.
River Lamprey
Lampetra ayresii
Key differences: River Lamprey is an anadromous, parasitic species, though smaller than Pacific Lamprey (up to 30 cm). It has sharp, pointed teeth and a more developed oral disc for attachment. Western Brook Lamprey is non-parasitic and has blunt teeth.
Kern Brook Lamprey
Lampetra hubbsi
Key differences: Kern Brook Lamprey is another non-parasitic species, but its geographic range is restricted to the Kern River system in California. Morphological differences are subtle and often require detailed examination of dentition and body proportions.
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