Scientific Name
Eudontomyzon danfordi
Common Name
Carpathian lamprey
Biology
Inhabits piedmont and montane zones in clear, well oxygenated brooks. Ammocoetes live in detritus-rich sands or clay sediments. Ammocoetes feed on detritus and insect larvae; this stage lasts for 3.5-4.5 years. Metamorphosis usually starts in July - August and lasts for 1-5 months. Adults feed on the blood and flesh of both living and dead fish. They migrate upstream to the upper reaches of brooks during spawning time in spring. The adult phase lasts 17-21 months. They spawn 2,000-3,000 eggs per female and it seems likely that the majority dies afterwards. Adults were used as food in Romania. Also used as live bait.