340 CHONDROPTERYGII. LAMPREYS. 



rope and North America. It is a migratory fish, 

 residing in the ocean during the winter months, and 

 ascending rivers in spring. It is oviparous, and the 

 roe is shed shortly after it enters the fresh water. 

 A shallow bed is formed by removing the stones, 

 which the fish accomplishes by fixing its suctorial 

 mouth to them and drawing them aside, and while 

 thus employed they are usually in pairs. They 

 feed on almost any animal matter that falls in their 

 way ; and occasionally attack other fishes, adhering 

 to them by the suctorial mouth, and eating into the 

 flesh. Its motion in swimming is undulating like 

 that of a serpent, but the action is horizontal, not 

 vertical. The Lamprey, as is well known, was 

 formerly much prized for the table ; but its reputa- 

 tion in this country has greatly declined, although 

 it is still in high repute in many parts of the Con- 

 tinent. It is in greatest perfection in the month of 

 May. In Scotland it shares in the dislike which is 

 entertained towards all eel or serpent-like fishes, 

 and is never brought to market. 



(Sp. 149.) P. fluviatilis. River Lamprey, or 

 Lampern. This is likewise a common fish, especi- 

 ally in the English rivers, more particularly the 

 Thames, Severn, and Dee, but it is not so frequent 

 in Scotland and Ireland, although there also it is not 

 rare in certain rivers. It is not quite certain whether 

 it is migratory, like its congener above noticed ; 

 the fact, at all events, is unquestionable, that ex- 

 amples may be found in fresh water all the year. 

 The spawning season is in May, one spawning-bed 



