Endangered Australian Brook Lamprey Discovered Far North of Known Habitat

The non-parasitic species, previously thought confined to southern streams, has been found in Queensland's tropical waters.

Scientists in Queensland have identified the Australian brook lamprey 1,400 km north of its traditionally recognized range.
This jawless fish, a 'living fossil', challenges previous geographic and ecological assumptions about the species.
The discovery underscores the cryptic nature of the lamprey, complicating conservation efforts due to its similarity to more common species.
Rising sea levels pose an additional threat to the lamprey's habitat, emphasizing the urgency of tailored conservation strategies.
Research funded by the National Environmental Science Program aims to protect this and other threatened species in Queensland.