River Lamprey
Lampetra fluviatilis
Products (2)
| Product | Package | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Ungutted, chilled | — | Lithuania |
| Ungutted, frozen | ~10 kg | Lithuania |
About river lamprey
The river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) is not a true fish but a member of the class of jawless vertebrates (Agnatha), belonging to the lamprey family. Its body is long and eel-shaped, without scales or paired fins, and covered in mucus. Instead of gill covers, seven round gill openings are visible on each side, and the mouth is modified into a sucker studded with horny teeth. It is an anadromous species: adults live in the Baltic Sea and migrate up rivers to spawn. In Lithuania lampreys are traditionally caught in the lower Nemunas and the coastal rivers.
Nutritional value
Lamprey meat is very fatty and energy-dense, with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3. It is rich in complete protein, the fat-soluble vitamins A and D, and minerals. Its rich, distinctive flavour makes lamprey a prized seasonal delicacy, eaten in small quantities.
Fishing seasonality
Lampreys are caught during their autumn–winter migration, when they move in large numbers from the sea into rivers to spawn — usually from October to December. During this period they are at their fattest and tastiest. Size and numbers vary from year to year and between areas, depending on the intensity of the migration.
Culinary notes
The classic method is to grill or pan-fry lampreys and then pour over a marinade of vinegar, onion and spices; prepared this way, they are kept in jelly. They are also smoked or stewed. They go well with rye bread, pickled cucumbers, potatoes and dry white wine.
