Burbot

📖 Overview

The only member of Lotidae family which lives in freshwater. Crepuscular and nocturnal . Adults are found in well oxygenated flowing waters and large, deep lakes as well as large rivers with slow-moving current . They occur from estuaries of large lowland rivers as well as from small mountain streams, preferring deep waters in summer . They seek shelter under rocks, in crevices on the river banks, among roots of trees and dense vegetation . Those in rivers tend to congregate in deep holes throughout the year, except at spawning . Movements into shallower water during summer nights are related to feeding . Smaller individuals feed on insect larvae, crayfish, mollusks and other invertebrates with a changing preference for fishes in larger individuals . In Central Europe, males mature at 2 years while females at 3 years . Spawning occurs from November to March, at temperatures below 6°C in groups of up to 20 interlaced individuals forming a ball about 60 cm in diameter which constantly move and roll on the bottom while releasing eggs and sperms . May undertake short spawning migrations . Eggs are semipelagic, 1.2-1.8 mm in diameter and slightly sticky hatching after 40-70 days . Larvae are positively phototactic, floating below the surface in March and April . Larvae feed on drifting invertebrates or zooplankton . Source of oil. Sold mainly salted. Liver is sold smoked or canned in Europe . Processed into fishmeal . Because of its nocturnal habits and its slow movements, this fish is not very much appreciated by sport fishermen. Flesh is tasty but a little dry . Locally threatened due to river regulation .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 67 - 96; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 58 - 84; Vertebrae: 50 - 67. Diagnosed from all other freshwater fishes in Europe by its pelvic fin origin anterior to pectoral fin origin and by having one central barbel on lower jaw . Distinguished by the long second dorsal fin, at least 6 times as long as the first, and a single barbel on the chin . Gill rakers short . First dorsal short; second dorsal and anal fins joined to caudal; pectorals short and rounded; caudal rounded , with 40 rays . Color is yellow, light tan to brown with a pattern of dark brown or black on the body, head and fins . Pelvic fins pale, others dark and mottled .: elongated; Cross section: circular.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Burbot is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Burbot is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

There appears to be individual movements into spawning areas with the males arriving first at spawning areas . It occurs at night, with spawners forming a great globular mass, each pushing toward the center , or at least milling around close together , releasing eggs or sperm. Observed to make postspawning runs upriver, apparently for feeding . Eggs hatch after 40-70 days. After about 2 months, juveniles are benthic, grow rapidly, reach about 8 cm SL within first year. .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; brackish; demersal; pH range: 7.5 - ? ; dH range: 18 - ?; potamodromous ; depth range 1 - 700 m . Temperate; 4°C - 18°C ; 78°N - 40°N, 180°W - 180°E North America belong to a different species, Lota maculosa (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Burbot is an edible species."

⚡ Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Burbot has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 69 records indexed .

👥 Community & Contribute