Mordacia lapicida

Mordacia lapicida (Gray, 1851) is a species of petromyzonti belonging to the family Mordaciidae (order Petromyzontiformes).

Common name. In English this species is commonly known as the Chilean lamprey.

Taxonomy. The scientific name Mordacia lapicida (Gray, 1851) places this species within the petromyzonti lineage, among the most diverse vertebrates on Earth.

Description & ecology. As a member of Petromyzontiformes, Mordacia lapicida exhibits the group's characteristic adaptations: They are jawless lampreys with a toothed, suctorial oral disc. Its biology reflects the demands of its particular habitat and life history within the family Mordaciidae.

Distribution. The species occurs within the natural range of its lineage; precise localities and depth preferences are documented in the taxonomic literature for Mordaciidae.

Human relevance. Like many fishes, it may be of interest to fisheries, aquaculture, the aquarium trade, or conservation, depending on its abundance and distribution.