Unique fish found only on Vancouver Island under threat, conservationists say

Unique fish found only on Vancouver Island under threat, conservationists say

By Janet Gemmell

Source: CTV News Vancouver Island

11/16/2022

Tucked away on a small parcel of land on Vancouver Island is a creature you will only find in the Comox Valley.

It's called the Morrison Creek Lamprey, and it's a unique form of the Western Brook Lamprey.

Lampreys are a small type of parasitic fish that look like eels.

"Lamprey themselves are ancient in the evolutionary tree. They predate sharks," said Janet Gemmell, president of the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers.

"They’re jawless fishes, so it's even before any fish got jaws. They’re scaleless, they have cartilage, so they’re very primitive," she said.
SEEKING LAND PURCHASE

Volunteers with the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers and with the Comox Valley Land Trust are trying to preserve a forested area around the Morrison Creek headwaters.

Morrison Creek

Morrison Creek Lamprey

Lamprey, Western Brook

Lamprey, Pacific

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