Lampetra richardsoni, a New Nonparasitic Species of Lamprey (Petromyzonidae) from Western North America

Abstract

A new nonparasitic species of Petromyzonidae, Lampetra richardsoni, the western brook lamprey, from streams of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and possibly Alaska, is described and illustrated. This species is distinguished from Lampetra planeri (Bloch), the European brook lamprey (with which it has long been regarded as identical), by dentition, body proportions, pigmentation of the head and tail, and geographical distribution. The description is based on an examination of 275 specimens (69 transformed individuals and 206 ammocoetes).