by Myra Malhotra (’26) | November 17, 2023
In the depths of China’s fossil record lies a revelation: the remains of flesh-eating killer lampreys that roamed the seas over 160 million years ago. This discovery challenges our understanding of the unique fish and their role in ecosystems.
Lampreys, with their jawless, eel-like bodies, are parasites that attach themselves to other fish, sucking their blood. Modern lampreys are generally harmless, but their ancient ancestors couldn’t be more different. One of the oldest vertebrate groups, lampreys have a fossil record dating back over 500 million years, when they thrived in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Lampreys undergo a unique life cycle, starting with a larval stage for several years, during which they feed on organic matter. Upon reaching adulthood, they migrate to open water and adopt a parasitic lifestyle.
Lampreys play a vital role in ecosystems, regulating populations of other fish and serving as a food source for predators like birds, mammals, and other fish. They are mentioned in historical records dating back thousands of years and were used by Indigenous Americans for both food and medicine. Furthermore, lampreys provide insights into vertebrate evolution and jaw development.
Recently, paleontologists discovered the fossilized remains of two new lamprey species in a Chinese fossil bed: Yanliaomyzon occisor and Yanliaomyzon ingensdentes. Occisor means “killer” in Latin, while ingensdentes means “large teeth” in Greek. Yanliaomyzon occisor, around 23 inches long, had sharp teeth on its tongue and palate. Yanliaomyzon ingensdentes was smaller but had even larger teeth, which were used to crush the bones of their prey.
The discovery of these flesh-eating killer lampreys suggests a more significant role in the ancient food chain and raises questions about the potential aggression of modern lampreys. The modern lamprey’s mouth features a sucker-like structure with rows of sharp, keratinized teeth arranged in a circle. This circular shape allows them to attach to other fish, where they rupture through the host’s skin and tissues to feed on blood and bodily fluids. While today’s lampreys primarily suck blood, their ancient counterparts could bite into prey and tear off flesh due to their different oral structure.
Scientists are intrigued by this disparity. Some suggest that this is an evolutionary anomaly, implying that prior traits may resurface. In the future, lampreys may threaten fish populations in both freshwater and saltwater environments. However, more research is needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved with lamprey evolution.
Overall, the unearthing of flesh-eating killer lampreys in China is a significant scientific breakthrough, shedding light on these captivating creatures and their evolutionary history. It prompts crucial inquiries about their potential influence on modern ecosystems, emphasizing the need for continued research in order to unravel the mysteries of these ancient predators.