THE LAMPREY 



i^Petromyzon viariiuis) 



In May and June the lamprey ascends our rivers to spawn. A 

 number ot these are frequently caught in the salmon fishers' nets 



Fic. 236. — ^loLith of a Lamjircy, shnwing \\vt sucker and teetli. Half-lift- si/c. 



on the Tay, and are mostly from 24 to 30 inches in length, and 

 weigh from 2 to 3 lbs. They are more plentiful in England than 

 in Scotland, and are caught for the market. The colour is bluish- 

 green with brown blotches, merging into an orange colour on the 

 belly. 



The lamprey has a very characteristic mouth. When opened to 

 its fullest extent it is quite round and has the tongue well armed with 



numerous teeth (see Fig. 236, which gives a very clear representa- 



261 



