Lamprey
(Lampetra fluviatilis (river lamprey) and Lampetra planeri (brook lamprey))
Lampreys (at least some of them) live by sticking themselves to the sides of other fish with their sucker mouths and rasping away the poor victim’s skin to gorge on its flesh and bodily fluids.
But let’s leave that aside, shall we? They are still fascinating creatures, and Killearn is a very special place for them.
This entry covers two species: Lampetra fluviatilis (river lamprey) and Lampetra planeri (brook lamprey). It’s the river lampreys that do the thing with the other fish that we aren’t going to talk about. Lampreys look a little like small eels but are in fact jawless fish. A row of holes along the sides of their heads distinguishes them from eels.
The river lampreys of the Endrick are unique in the entire UK because they are the only population that migrates to spend adult life in a body of fresh water (Loch Lomond), rather than the sea. This unique life cycle has led to the Endrick being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Like salmon, lampreys return to shallow river water to spawn. They migrate at night.
Fascinating fact:
The lamprey has been around for many millions of years and is one of the most ancient, primitive fish still alive today.
Lampreys are not rare, but they are rarely seen. The youngsters are especially tough to spot since they stay completely buried in the mud at the bottom of rivers, feeding on invertebrates, for several years.
The adults swim freely but are highly secretive. Perhaps they are wary of criticism for the thing we shan’t mention. Brook lampreys should be exempt from any unkind remarks since they never feed as adults.
River and brook lampreys are almost impossible to tell apart until they become adults. Both species die after they have spawned.
When river lampreys find a place to breed, the male fastens himself to the female with his sucker (how charming he is) and wraps himself around her to be sure he’s the one who fertilises the eggs as she lays them. Females can lay up to 25,000 eggs and be accosted by a succession of amorous males. Who’d be a woman?
Did you know
Some of our European neighbours, including the people of Scandinavia and the Baltic states, enjoy eating lamprey. Britons generally do not, but the city of Gloucester has been presenting lamprey pies to the Sovereign on special occasions since the Middle Ages. King Charles got one for his coronation and was definitely very grateful.