An eel-like marsipobranch of the genus
Petromyzon, and allied genera; called also
lamprey eel and
lamper eel. The lampreys have a round, sucking mouth, without jaws, but set with numerous minute teeth, and one to three larger teeth on the palate (see
Illust. of
Cyclostomi). There are seven small branchial openings on each side. [
1913 Webster]
" The common or sea lamprey of America and Europe (Petromyzon marinus), which in spring ascends rivers to spawn, is considered excellent food by many, and is sold as a market fish in some localities. The smaller river lampreys mostly belong to the genus Ammocœles, or Lampetra, as Ammocœles fluviatilis, of Europe, and Ammocœles æpypterus of America. All lampreys attach themselves to other fishes, as parasites, by means of the suckerlike mouth."
[1913 Webster]