eel like critter in Guntersville?

[Kevenater]

Last night on Guntersville lake, I caught a 4.7 lb bass and it had an eel looking thing on its side. It came off in the boat and i looked in its mouth, which was more on the bottom of its head, more like a suction cup, with little teeth looking things in it. What is this?? My friend said he thinks its what they call a freshwater eel, but i dont think so. I didnt know we had anything that sucks onto fish like that here, other than leeches. Oh, and it had several little gill slits behind its head on each side and tiny little eyes, it was about 10 inches long.

[swilliams]

it is called a lamprey.

[Kevenater]

thanks, i read up on lampreys, i should have killed that thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i didnt realize how destructive they are........

[swilliams]

yep, i have only seen a few of them. mostly on the alabama and tombigbee rivers on the sides of catfish and spoonbills that were caught on troutlines when i was a kid.