Mordacia lapicida, also known as the Chilean lamprey, is a species of southern topeyed lamprey endemic to southern Chile, where it can be found in riverine and marine habitats. This species is anadromous. This parasitic lamprey can reach a length of 54 centimetres (21 in) SL. Ammocoetes and adults of this species are found in rivers, and occur in fine sand along river banks.[3] The life cycle of a Mordacia lapicida is divided into three life stages: freshwater rearing, an ocean parasite and an adult spawning stage.[4] Once in the adult stage, individuals migrate into marine waters where they attack and attach themselves to marine fishes.[5]
Mordacia lapicida | |
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Conservation status | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Infraphylum: | Agnatha |
Class: | Hyperoartia |
Order: | Petromyzontiformes |
Family: | Mordaciidae |
Genus: | Mordacia |
Species: | M. lapicida |
Binomial name | |
Mordacia lapicida (J. E. Gray, 1851) | |
Synonyms[2] | |
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Extant lamprey species | |
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Caspiomyzon |
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Entosphenus |
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Eudontomyzon |
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Geotria | |
Ichthyomyzon |
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Lampetra |
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Lethenteron |
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Mordacia | |
Petromyzon | |
Tetrapleurodon |
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Taxon identifiers |
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