Lamprey and Similar Species
Petromyzontiformes
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Lamprey. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
True Eels
Anguilliformes
Key differences: True eels possess jaws, pectoral fins (though sometimes small), and typically have a single, continuous dorsal-caudal-anal fin. They also have scales (though often embedded and hard to see) and a different gill opening structure (a single slit on each side, not seven pores).
Hagfish
Myxiniformes
Key differences: Hagfish are also jawless but belong to a different order. They typically have barbels around their mouth, lack distinct dorsal fins, and have a single, large nostril at the anterior tip of the head. Their gill openings are fewer and often more scattered than lampreys, and they produce copious amounts of slime as a defense mechanism.
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