Are there eels in lake erie

While sea lampreys resemble eels, they are not related and are set apart by their unique mouth: a large oral sucking disk filled with sharp, horn-shaped teeth surrounding a razor sharp rasping tongue. Sea lampreys attach to fish with their suction cup mouth then dig their teeth into flesh for grip. In their native Atlantic Ocean, thanks to co-evolution with fish there, sea lampreys are parasites that typically do not kill their host.

In the Great Lakes, where no such co-evolutionary link exists, sea lampreys act as predators, with each individual capable of killing up to 40 pounds more than 20 kilograms of fish over their month feeding period.

Host fish in the Great Lakes are often unable to survive sea lamprey parasitism, either dying directly from an attack or from infections in the wound after an attack. Host fish that survive an attack often suffer from weight loss and a decline in health and condition. The first recorded observation of a sea lamprey in the Great Lakes was in in Lake Ontario.

The population dipped to less than 3, lampreys for a decade before the spike, Steeves said. She does autopsies on their brains to better understand what smells attract them. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Windsor Star Headline News will soon be in your inbox.

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Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. But don't worry, sea lampreys in Lake Erie do not pose a threat to humans. Copyright WOIO. All rights reserved. Skip to content. Watch Live. First Alert Weather. First Alert Science School. Gas Prices. Bridging the Great Health Divide.

Windsor This blood-sucking species is invading Lake Erie in increasing numbers Lamprey numbers are at historic lows in lakes Michigan, Huron and Ontario thanks to control programs, but seem to be rebounding in Superior and Erie following harsh winters between and Social Sharing.