Sea Lampreys: Vampires of the Great Lakes - 100 Teeth!
Sea lampreys are originally from the Atlantic Ocean. They invaded the Great Lakes more than 100 years ago, and are currently found in all of 5 of the lakes and connecting waters, including the Detroit River (right outside!). Sea lampreys attach to other fish with a suction cup mouth and dig more than 100 razor-sharp teeth into the fish’s flesh for grip. Once attached, sea lampreys use their drill-like tongue to bore a hole through the fish’s scales and skin so they can feed on its blood and body fluids.
Saving Great Lakes Fish
A single sea lamprey can kill up to 40 pounds of fish during its life.
Sea lampreys attack all species of fish, including lake trout, whitefish, walleye, and lake sturgeon (like the one behind you!).
Sea lampreys are one of the only invasive species in the Great Lakes that can be controlled. In fact, populations have been reduced by 90% in most areas of the Great Lakes, saving more than 100 million pounds of fish each year!
CAN YOU FIND 10 FACTS
1. Sea lampreys are an invasive species in the Great Lakes.Their original home is the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Sea lampreys belong to an ancient family of jawless fish that were around before the dinosaurs.
3. Sea lampreys, like sharks, don’t have any bones! They are completely cartilaginous.
4. Sea lampreys are born without eyes, fins, or teeth.
5. Sea lampreys are parasites, meaning they can only survive if they have a host to feed from. One sea lamprey can kill up to 40 pounds of Great Lakes fish.
6. Sea lampreys are like swimming noses. Adults choose spawning sites where they can smell young lampreys.
7. Sea lampreys are strong! They use their mouths to move rocks as big as a softball when building nests for spawning.
8. One female sea lamprey can produce 100,000 eggs. About 10% survive, producing 10,000 new lampreys. 100.000 EGGS!
9. You can swim without fear! Sea lampreys do not attack people – they only feed on cold-blooded creatures.
10. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission has reduced sea lamprey populations by 90%, protecting Great Lakes fish from harm.
