KM Viray
3. Sea Lampreys
Sea lampreys or lamprey eels (Petromyzon marinus) are jawless fish with a hell of a lot of teeth. These parasitic fish native to the Atlantic Ocean paralyze other fish by sucking their blood and other body fluids. Sea lampreys attach to fish with their suction cup mouth then dig their teeth into flesh for a good grip. Once securely attached, sea lampreys rasp through the fish’s scales and skin with their sharp tongue.
Sea lampreys feed on its host’s body fluids by secreting an enzyme that prevents blood from clotting, similar to how a leech feeds off its host.
Imagine having these things stuck on you for perhaps the rest of your life. Sea lampreys don’t actually kill their prey, but it sure wouldn’t feel good having up to 40-inch things sucking on your fluids.
