The Chestnut Lamprey (Ichthyomyzon castaneus)

The Chestnut Lamprey (Ichthyomyzon castaneus) is found in waterways across the midwest and eastern portion of the United States - north into Canada. This individual was photographed on the White River, Arkansas, USA. Larvae filter feed but adults are parasitic on other fishes. The adults are mostly active during the night. At an age of five to seven years, this species of lamprey mates and the adults die after the process (they are semelparous).