It can be hard to go outside in Alaska, but some days it just takes more courage to leave the house. Take last week, for example, when residents of Fairbanks reported seeing several terrifying foot-long eel-like fish scattered around town.  Apparently they were dropped by gulls.

 

Young Arctic lampreys are blind, and feed by filtering micro-organisms through the water. But as adults, they become parasites, attaching themselves to other species of fish or mammals by "using their sucking mouth parts" -- a jawless mouth full of teeth -- "to attach themselves to the host's body," the Department of Fish and Game explains.

 

Then they use their teeth to cut through their host's body for its blood and bodily fluid.

 

When lampreys feed off salmon, they can attain a fatty flavor, and -- believe it or not -- Arctic lampreys are a seasonal delicacy in Alaska. Chefs say they're best braised or roasted, praising their boneless cartilaginous structure for the way it melts away while cooking.

 

 

Edited June 5, 201511 yr by Ryrin

Ewwww!

My thoughts exactly.

I'd eat it. . . . 

Interesting. Reminds me of leaches.

*starts to feel sick*

Lampreys really freak me out - also a delicacy in England in the Middle Ages.

They are horrific lookin. I'd still eat them. . . . 

u'd eat them raw ?

Lampreys really freak me out - also a delicacy in England in the Middle Ages.

I'm horrified they are falling from the sky!!'

u'd eat them raw ?

Chae, it says they are braised or roasted. I wanna hurl while I'm writing this.

On sushi. Sure thing. 

With... "eel"-weed?

rotfl

In Alaska? Sounds right up the town of Cicely's alley.

 

Are there seagulls in cicely tho?

Don't go here http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/allyoucaneat/2008/11/20/lamprey_gorgeous_or_horrific_y.html

 

I'm warning you.  They are in tomato sauce.

 

What do you think, Cindy?

Edited June 6, 201511 yr by Ryrin

Too far inland for gulls. Eels ok, lampreys prolly good too.

I'd eat it, no problem. Obviously it would depend on the taste, whether or not I eat it a 2nd time.