Sea Lamprey by NOAA Research. Click here for original.
Class Cephalospidomorphi
Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Cephalospidomprphi Lampreys are an archaic group of fish that go back millions of years. Because of their cartilaginous skeletons, fossils are few and far between, though modern lampreys have hardly changed from their ancestors. There are 40+ species of these jawless fish, with around 18 of them being parasitic. |
The habitats for lampreys differs as some species of lampreys have their larval stage in fresh water until the larva are able to migrate towards oceans where they will mature. On the other hand other lampreys species live their entire lives in freshwater. Once mature lampreys develop seven anteriolaterally gill openings and possess a cartilage endoskeleton. |
Additionally, hagfish have jawless round mouth that are filled with rows of teeth and a raspy toungue which aide in the consumption of their small invertebrate prey. As for hagfishes mobility is done through a process of pulling/suctioning water towards their body which propelles them forward.