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rocksuckers
(gcide) | Lamprey \Lam"prey\ (l[a^]m"pr[y^]), n.; pl. Lampreys
(l[a^]m"pr[i^]z). [OE. lampreie, F. lamproie, LL. lampreda,
lampetra, from L. lambere to lick + petra rock, stone. The
lampreys are so called because they attach themselves with
their circular mouths to rocks and stones, whence they are
also called rocksuckers. See Lap to drink, Petrify.]
(Zool.)
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. [Written also
lamprel, and lampron.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: 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
Ammoc[oe]les, or Lampetra, as {Ammoc[oe]les
fluviatilis}, of Europe, and {Ammoc[oe]les
[ae]pypterus} of America. All lampreys attach
themselves to other fishes, as parasites, by means of
the suckerlike mouth.
[1913 Webster] |
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