Lamprey - Piharau/kanakana

Lampreys are ancient, migratory fish that have existed for over 360 million years. They spend most of their lives at sea but return to freshwater to spawn. Unlike eels, they have a jawless mouth with a circular sucker lined with teeth. Lampreys hide under logs and rocks by day, feeding at night. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss, poor water quality, introduced predators, and barriers like dams blocking their upstream migration. Protecting their habitats is vital for their survival.