©Andi Hartl

Burbot

D-Quappe, Aaluappe, Trüsche, Rutte; GB-Burbot; DK-Kvabbe; PL-Miętus; LT-Vėgėlė; LV-Vēdzele; EST-Luts; RU-Налим; FIN-Made; S-Lake

Characters

1) One barbel on the chin.
2) First dorsal fin not thread-like elongated.
3) Pelvic fins jugular, not elongated thread-like.
4) Anterior nostril with small tentacle.
●) Body elongated.
●) Colour dark-brown-yellowish marmorated.
Usually 30 to 50 cm, maximum up to 150 cm length.

Similar species

Ling - anterior nostril not extended; often not marbled on body; pores of lateral line well visible on head (vs. not visible in burbot).

Tadpole-fish - first dorsal fin very small; pelvic fins thread-like; coloured uniformally dark.

Biology

Occurs in freshwaters and in brackish waters. Nocturnal, during daytime often hinding under roots or stones. Spawns near the surface during January and March.

Diet

Depending on the habitat feeds on insect larvae, molluscs and crustaceans, as well as on other invertebrates. Adult Burbots increasingly capture smaller fish.

Importance

Liked by game-fishermen.

Endangerment

Generally strongly endangered, mainly due to water constructions.