Swimming Performance of Larval Pacific Lamprey (Lampetra tridentata)

Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure the prolonged-sustained and burst swimming speeds of wild larval (ammocoete) Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentate). Prolonged-sustained speeds were measured using an annular variable speed swimming chamber and burst speeds were determined using a swimming raceway and digital video analysis. During prolonged-sustained swimming experiments, the mean length of time lamprey (72 – 143 mm TL) were able to swim in the chamber ranged from 43.0 min when exposed to a velocity of 10 cm/s, to 0.4 min when exposed to 50 cm/s. The burst swimming speeds of lamprey tended to increase as length increased from 107 to 150 mm TL, and ranged from 33.3 to 75.0 cm/s. Our estimates of the overall swimming performance of this life-stage are the first reported for this species, and can provide important information when developing approach velocities and infrastructure to improve lamprey passage while minimizing entrainment loss.