Burbot (Lota lota)

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Rare are possibly extinct in the UK

Family Cod Gadidae

Size

20 " ( 50 cm)

Description

Only member of the cod family found in freshwater. A fish with two Dorsal Fins and a slender body with broad head with Barbels - two short ones on the nostrils and a long one on the lower jaw The colour is normally drab with Blotches but can be variable No authenticated record of the species in the UK for over 50 years.

Diet

Larvae of Water Insects Crustaceans Mussels and Snails Older fish may predate Roach Perch Gudgeon

Habitat

Lakes and Slow flowuing Rivers is Nocturnal . It was restricted to rivers in eastern England from County Durham to the Great Ouse. The burbot is given special protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Reproduction

They spawn from December to March uusually over Gravel or Sand > Fry hatch in 4 weeks.

 

Image was taken by Achim R. Schloeffel Cortesy Wiki Comm SA 3.0