摘要

The metamorphosis of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus Linnaeus, 1758) allows young postmetamorphic individuals to migrate to the sea and start the hematophagous feeding. However, the information about this phase is very limited, especially for European populations. Herein, we provide for the first time a comprehensive study on the phenology of downstream migration, the timing and location of first feeding and the prey species in the River Ulla and its estuary (NW Spain). Results show that downstream migration occurs between October and May with a peak in March. At least for a part of the postmetamorphic lampreys this migration stops for several months when they reach the estuary, where lampreys find shelter and abundant food, before moving to coastal waters. Hematophagous feeding in the estuary allows postmetamorphics to increase their total length and weight exponentially. Our results also suggest that part of the postmetamorphics (10-30%) start the hematophagous feeding in the river, with a special affinity for anadromous species, probably because of their larger size.

  • 出版日期2013-1