Priscomyzon riniensis is an extinct lamprey that lived some 360 million years ago during the Famennian in a marine or estuarine environment in South Africa. This small agnathan is anatomically similar to the Mazon Creek lampreys, but is some 35 million years older. Its key developments included the first known large oral disc, circumoral teeth and a branchial basket.
Image: Priscomyzon riniensis 00
Image: Priscomyzon riniensis 02
Mouthparts of a modern lamprey
Counter slab of Priscomyzon riniensis
Lampreys are a group of jawless fish comprising the order Petromyzontiformes. The adult lamprey is characterized by a toothed, funnel-like sucking mouth. The common name "lamprey" is probably derived from Latin lampetra, which may mean "stone licker", though the etymology is uncertain. Lamprey is sometimes seen for the plural form.
Lamprey
Mouth of a sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus
Median section of Lamprey demonstrating internal anatomy
The cartilaginous skeleton of a lamprey washed up on a beach in North Carolina.