Ep 5. Mega Mouth

In Monster Fish season 7 episode 5 titled "Mega Mouth," aquatic biologist and host Zeb Hogan travels to the Pacific Northwest in search of a fish known as the Pacific lamprey. Hogan is on a mission to better understand this creature and how it lives in rivers and the ocean. He teams up with tribal leaders and other experts to learn about the lamprey's biology, ecology, and cultural importance.

The episode opens with Hogan traveling to Oregon to meet with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. They explain that the Pacific lamprey is an important spiritual and cultural symbol for their people. They also describe how the lamprey's population has been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, overfishing, and other factors.

Hogan then travels to the Columbia River to observe the lamprey's unique life cycle. Unlike most fish, lampreys are parasitic creatures that feed on the blood of other fish. They start their lives in freshwater streams and rivers, where they burrow into the sediment for several years. They then migrate downriver to the ocean, where they begin their parasitic phase. After several years in the ocean, they return to the same freshwater stream where they were born to spawn and die.

Hogan and his team use a variety of methods to study the lamprey's behavior and habitat. They use underwater cameras to capture footage of the lamprey in the wild and take water samples to test for pollutants and other stressors. They also work with local fishermen to catch lamprey for research purposes.

As they learn more about the lamprey's life cycle and behavior, Hogan and his team discover just how important the species is to the ecosystem. Lampreys play a key role in the food chain as both predator and prey. They also help to aerate sediment and provide nutrients for other organisms.

Along the way, Hogan encounters other fascinating species that live in the Pacific Northwest, including sturgeon, salmon, and steelhead. He also learns about the challenges facing these species and the efforts being made to conserve and protect them.

Ultimately, in "Mega Mouth," Hogan's quest to better understand the Pacific lamprey leads him to a greater appreciation for the complex web of life that exists in our rivers and oceans. The episode highlights the importance of conservation efforts to preserve these ecosystems and the species that call them home.

Overall, Monster Fish season 7 episode 5 is an informative and engaging look at one of the most unique and fascinating creatures in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring stunning visuals, expert insights, and Hogan's trademark enthusiasm and curiosity, this episode is a must-see for anyone interested in aquatic biology, conservation, and the wonders of the natural world.