Ancient Flesh-Eating Lampreys Unearthed in China

Fossils of two new lamprey species discovered in China reveal the evolution of these ancient fish into formidable predators. The fossils, dating back 160 million years, show specialized mouthparts that allowed the lampreys to scoop flesh out of their prey. The larger species, Yanliaomyzon occisor, was over two feet long and had sharp teeth, indicating a shift towards a parasitic lifestyle. The fossils also provide insights into the lampreys' multi-stage life cycle and their evolution from flesh-eating ancestors. These findings contribute significantly to the sparse fossil record of lampreys and shed light on their ancient history.