Uncovering the Elusive Australian Brook Lamprey: A Hidden Treasure in the Waters of Queensland

Tuesday - May 28 2024, 12:37 UTC - 8 months ago

The Australian brook lamprey is a primitive jawless fish with rows of sharp teeth that does not suck blood like most lampreys. Its adult phase lasts one year and it does not feed. Recently discovered in streams on K'gari and other Queensland areas, this species faces numerous conservation challenges, including mistaken identity and habitat threats.

The Australian brook lamprey has long been a mysterious and elusive creature, known to few and misunderstood by many. Belonging to a group of primitive jawless fish, this unique species grows up to 15 cm in length and boasts rows of sharp teeth. However, unlike most lampreys that use their teeth to suck blood from other fish, the Australian brook lamprey is non-parasitic and has a different method of feeding.

In its early stages of life, the Australian brook lamprey lives buried in the bottom of streams for up to three years, filter-feeding on small organisms. Its adult phase is relatively short, lasting only about one year, during which it no longer feeds at all. This unique life cycle sets it apart from other lamprey species and adds to its enigmatic nature.

Until recently, the Australian brook lamprey was believed to only inhabit a small stretch of coastline near the NSW/Victoria border. However, a study by Dr. Luke Carpenter-Bundhoo from the Australian Rivers Institute at Griffith University revealed that this species can also be found in streams on K’gari (Fraser Island). Teaming up with David Moffatt from DESI, the two researchers were able to confirm reports of Australian brook lamprey in Queensland, including as far north as Rockhampton. This discovery has greatly expanded the known range of this species and it is now the only lamprey species in the world to inhabit truly tropical waters.

“This is an exciting find since it proves that the Australian brook lamprey is not limited to one specific area, but can thrive in various environments. However, their cryptic nature has made them difficult to spot, which has contributed to their endangered status,” explains Mr. Moffatt. Indeed, the Australian brook lamprey is currently listed as an endangered species and faces multiple threats to its survival, including sedimentation, wildfires, and human development.

Another major challenge to the conservation of the Australian brook lamprey is its difficulty in being identified correctly. For most of its life, this species is indistinguishable from its more common blood-sucking southern relative, the short-headed lamprey. Furthermore, only a handful of individuals possess the knowledge and expertise to accurately differentiate between these two species.

In their new study, Dr. Carpenter-Bundhoo and Mr. Moffatt outline the challenges faced in implementing a successful conservation strategy for this enigmatic fish. They propose solutions such as increasing awareness and training more individuals to properly identify the Australian brook lamprey. With a better understanding and protection of this species, scientists can work towards conserving it amidst the threat of projected sea level rises, which may impact the lowland freshwater coastal streams where the lampreys reside.

In conclusion, the Australian brook lamprey is a hidden treasure in the waters of Queensland, waiting to be discovered and protected. With its unique characteristics and mysterious nature, this endangered species adds to the diversity and wonder of our world's aquatic creatures.