Lamprea
Lamprey
This ancient jawless, prehistoric, parasitic fish lives in the sea and reproduces in rivers.
Many species feed by attaching themselves to other fish and then sucking the blood.
They were highly valued by the Romans and from the Middle Ages onwards were traditionally eaten at Lent because of their meat-like flesh.
Lamprea is caught using traditional methods on the River Miño in Galicia. Rather unappetising in terms of preparation, it is sometimes cooked up a la bordelesa in a casserole of wine and its own blood.