Lamprey Caught Off Ngunguru
A lamprey was taicen ofl' the rocks id Ngunguru a week or so ago. Although often regarded us a fish, the lamprey differs from a fish in the absence of paired fins and scales, in the rounded suctorial mouth without supporting jaws, in the presence of gill pockets in place of the gills of fish, as well .us in numerous internal peculiarities.
At first glance the lamprey appeared to be a strange type of eel, about IB inches long. It was brought to the "Advocate and identified by Whangarei Harbour Board engineer (Mr W. M. Fraser). It belongs to the genus Petromyzon or “stone suckers."
Most conspicuous feature was the seven slits on either side of the neck which communicate with the gill pockets. Adult lampreys die soon after spawning.
Lampreys are not uncommon in New Zealand waters. Mi Fraser said.
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Bibliographic details
Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 7
Word Count
145Lamprey Caught Off Ngunguru Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 7
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