Tongue cuts through fish scales: lamprey

1 of 1 Mouth of lamprey / Mr. Theklan / License

The tongue of a lamprey can cut through fish scales and skin due to its abrasiveness.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Physically break down >
	Biotic materials

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Using abrasion to break down waste and compostable material.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The lamprey uses a sucker-like jawless mouth to cling to the trout, and has a vicious abrasive tongue with which to gorge a hole in its host's body. There it laps up the body fluids oozing from the wound." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:50)

About the inspiring organism

Petromyzontidae
Petromyzontidae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Using abrasion to break down waste and compostable material.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Waste management

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

Tongue cuts through fish scales: lamprey

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