Invasion of the European River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis in the Upper Volga

The European river lamprey came to the Upper Volga from Baltic Sea most probably via a system of shipways developed in 18th and 19th centuries. Vyshnii Volochek, Tikhvin, Mariinskaya water systems are possible invasion pathways for this species. Dispersal colonization Caspian Basin was likely combination upstream downstream migrations. Analysis museum our own samples showed that possibly migrated (for spawning) along rivers until they reached watershed boundary which could disperse (in juvenile period) into Basin. River occur accordance with migration cycle opportunistic species lead present distribution. Key features (dentition number trunk myomeres) studied area similar lampreys basin, although specimens each population have their peculiarities morphology (size coloration). Genetic data (Cyt-b) support idea relatively recent Volga. haplotype, found three rivers, is one widespread Europe supposed route invasion.