Burbot

This is the burbot, Lota lota. It is a one-of-a-kind fish. It is the only member of the genus Lota, and is a freshwater cod. Some nicknames include eelpout, ling and my personal favorite, the lawyer. Not sure where the last one originates, I just like it. This is a 4 year old fish, resting in the slow current of Deep Creek just after being released by stocking methods. Note the smaller juvenile age zero (born this year) burbot under the pectoral fin of the larger fish. Captured in north Idaho.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Absolutely fabulous, a really really interesting photo and species intro. How did you go about capturing it? Posted 10 years ago
1. travismorhardt
  
  Lion
  
  My current job consists of working directly with these fish, including both management and research. These fish are native to only one river system (the river and several of its tributaries). Because of habitat degradation due mainly to the installment of dams, these fish are having a hard time maintaining a healthy population by natural reproduction. So, hatchery raised burbot are released into the system every fall to help supplement the population. I was a part of the release of over 3,000 fish and was able to photograph several of the fish as they acclimated to their new environment. It was really quite a treat! So, technically, this fish isn't wild, even though I was able to capture it in a wild environment. The hope is that in a few years, this fish will sexually mature and reproduce and will help in restoring the native burbot population to the Kootenai River drainage. Posted 10 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    What an awesome and meaningful job you're doing! Posted 10 years ago

stephen whittaker

Lion

A good photo and I wish everyone luck in restoring the native burbot population. Posted 10 years ago

The Burbot

The burbot or bubbot is the only gadiform freshwater fish. Also known as mariah, the lawyer, and eelpout, the burbot is closely related to the marine common ling and the cusk. It is the only member of the genus ''Lota''.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Cod-like Fishes

Species identified by travismorhardt