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Exploiting the physiology of lampreys to refine methods of control and conservation

December 13, 2021

Lampreys (order: Petromyzontiformes) represent one of two extant groups of jawless fishes, also called cyclostomes. Lampreys have a variety of unique features that distinguish them from other fishes. Here we review the physiological features of lampreys that have contributed to their evolutionary and ecological success. The term physiology is used broadly to also include traits involving multiple levels of biological organization, like swimming performance, that have a strong but not exclusively physiological basis. We also provide examples of how sea lamprey traits are currently being used or investigated to control invasive populations in the Great Lakes, such as reduced capacity to detoxify lampricides, inability to surmount low barriers or dams, and sensitivity to several lamprey-specific chemosensory pheromones and alarm cues. Specific suggestions are also provided for how an improved knowledge of lamprey physiological traits could be exploited for more effective conservation of native lampreys and lead to the development of next generation sea lamprey control and conservation tools.

Publication Year 2021
Title Exploiting the physiology of lampreys to refine methods of control and conservation
DOI 10.1016/j.jglr.2021.10.015
Authors Brittney B Borowiec, Margaret F. Docker, Nicholas S. Johnson, Mary L. Moser, Barbara Zielinski, Michael P. Wilkie
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Great Lakes Research
Index ID 70240387
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Great Lakes Science Center