Burbot (Lola lola)
The burbot is the only freshwater representative of the cod family. It has a long body, which is compressed at the sides towards the rear. The pelvic fins are located in front of the pectoral pair and their second ray has a thread-like protrusion. The centre of the chin is distinguished by a single barbel. The burbot has two dorsal fins, of which the second is very long, as is also its anal fin. The belly is whitish; the back and sides are grey-brown, the body and fins have a striking, marble-like pattern. It rarely reaches a length of over 1 m or a weight of over 20 kg. The burbot hides close, to the river bed or under overhanging banks in the trout, grayling and barbel zones of European rivers, although it is sometimes found in their lower reaches and in lakes or ponds. It is a predatory fish, which feeds predominantly on fish, frogs and other larger vertebrates. It spawns in winter and produces a large number of eggs, sometimes as many as 1 million. These are deposited onto stony beds in shallow currents.
It is found almost all over northern Europe to the north of the Balkans and the Pyrenees and in Italy in the watershed of the Po. In England it has become very rare and is possibly extinct. In some places, especially in northern zones, it is an economically important fish, as its meat and liver have a great protein value.
Maximum size and weight:
1 in, 20 kg.
Identifying characteristics:
Pelvic fins in front of pectoral pair; anal fin and second dorsal fin very long. One barbel in middle of chin.
