Habitat and life cycle
This lamprey lives in creeks and rivers. FishBase describes larvae transforming in autumn at about four years of age, then moving downstream into lakes for winter. Spawning follows in shallow lake and river habitats during spring and summer. Timing varies geographically: spawning observations in Alaska’s Naknek basin extend from June into September.
Recognizing adults
Typical adults measure about 12–17 cm in total length. Preserved specimens are gray-brown above and pale below, often with a dark patch near the top of the second dorsal fin. The mouth disc and tongue carry poorly developed teeth. Reliable identification uses these features together rather than body shape alone.
