Three varieties of 'vegan Dracula' lampreys found in unlikely places

Queensland scientists have discovered three unique species of a non-parasitic lamprey, known as "vegan Dracula" fish. These fish are called such because they resemble vampire fish due to their sharp teeth but do not feed on blood. Instead, they consume organic matter found on creek beds. A team of researchers, funded by a state government grant, plans to map the true range of these elusive creatures.

Despite their frightening appearance, these lampreys are less than 10 centimeters long and are difficult to spot in the wild. The discovery of these species came about by accident, with aquatic ecologist Luke Carpenter-Bundhoo first uncovering them on K gari in 2022 while studying the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires on the island's ecosystem.

He teamed up with Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation principal scientist David Moffatt, who had previously found the fish in the Noosa River catchment in 2004. The scientists have since discovered two more smaller varieties of these non-parasitic lampreys. However, these creatures are at risk due to their fragmented populations, as they are freshwater fish and cannot swim to other bodies of water.

If these populations disappear, it would be a significant loss, as the Australian brook lamprey (Mordacia praecox) is currently listed as endangered. With the new funding, the researchers aim to expand their research and increase the chances of protecting these ancient creatures, which have existed for millions of years.