Brook Lamprey
Lampetra planeri
The brook lamprey, also known as the European brook lamprey and the western brook lamprey is a small European lamprey species that exclusively inhabits freshwater environments. The species is related to, but distinct from, the North American western brook lamprey.
30
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brook_lamprey
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Petromyzonti
Order
Petromyzontiformes
Family
Petromyzontidae
Genus
Lampetra
Brook Lamprey belongs to the family Petromyzontidae, order Petromyzontiformes, within the Petromyzonti class.
Species Profile
The brook lamprey, also known as the European brook lamprey and the western brook lamprey is a small European lamprey species that exclusively inhabits freshwater environments. The species is related to, but distinct from, the North American western brook lamprey.
Brook Lamprey faces significant threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration across its European range. River channelization, pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, and dam construction have fragmented populations and reduced suitable spawning and nursery habitats, making this species vulnerable to further decline.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Brook Lamprey inhabits clean, well-oxygenated freshwater streams and rivers with sandy or gravelly substrates across Europe. Larvae require soft sediments for burrowing while adults need access to suitable spawning areas with clean gravel beds in flowing water.
Threats
Dam construction and flow regulation
River channelization and habitat modification
Water pollution from agricultural and urban runoff
Climate change affecting water temperature and flow patterns
Sedimentation of spawning gravels
Found in 30 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/brook-lamprey