Lamprey Eel
This fish is an interesting regional speciality...
The lamprey eel has a funnel-like mouth which sucks the blood of other fish.
Lampreys have long been considered as a type of food. They were highly appreciated by ancient Romans and during the Middle Ages, they were widely eaten by the upper classes throughout Europe. Their taste is much meatier than that of most other fish.
Sainte-Terre on the Dordogne river is the self-proclaimed lamprey capital of the world and holds an annual festival in April. There is a flea market, many food stalls offering regional produce, and an evening dinner-dance. Lamprey is usually served cooked in Sauternes wine, with onions, leeks and its own fish blood.
