Asterean Lamprey

A long, eel-like creature with a thousand teeth

Asterean Lampreys are a species of eel-like fish that have no jaws, but a flat head with a gaping maw containing hundreds of teeth in concentric rows. They are fast swimmers and are able to latch onto their prey, sucking their blood heavily before chomping a hole and burrowing inside. If the lamprey is not particularly hungry, or the prey is much larger than itself, it will latch on and hitch a ride on the host (feeding continuously along the way).   This species is found in the Asterean Sea to the north of The Isles of Meles, but many of its cousins can be found in the freshwater rivers of the Moluran jungles.   Whilst normal Asterean Lamprey are dull grey in colour, The Black Lamp (as it's name implies) is as dark as night. This legendary beast has dominated the seas for thousands of years and sits at the top of the food chain. No one is quite sure just how big The Black Lamp really is, some say as big as a whale, others say ten times that big.   Most sightings of The Black Lamp have been of it's slick body breaking the surface of the waves, or a shadow of ocean that just looks deeper than normal somehow.   Legends tell of The Black Lamp latching itself onto the hulls of ships to slow them down before pulling them down into a watery embrace. Others have claimed that The Black Lamp soars out of the water and lands teeth first onto the deck, smashing through ships and devouring every crew member aboard.  

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

They lay eggs hidden in rock clusters at the bottom of the sea where the waves won't affect them.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have poor vision, but an heightened sense of taste and detection of vibrations in the water.
asterean-lamprey.jpg
Asterean Lamprey by TJ Trewin
Average Length
3 ft
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Dull grey in colour, sometimes brownish
Related Myths


Cover image: by TJ Trewin

Comments

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Nov 17, 2019 22:02

Laying eggs at the bottom of the sea... them's sturdy eggs. You literally have tons of water pressure down there. Do the lampreys normally lay eggs in coastal areas?

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