Crossword Genius

Sucker beat target! (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lamprey

'sucker' is the definition.
(aquatic animals with sucker mouths)

'beat target' is the wordplay.
'beat' becomes 'lam' (I've seen this in other clues).
'target' becomes 'prey' (synonyms).
'lam'+'prey'='LAMPREY'

(Other definitions for lamprey that I've seen before include "Swimmer" , "Eel-like vertebrate with a sucker mouth and horny teeth" , "sucker in the main" , "sucker for stones" , "seafood" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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