Author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
FBname: Burbot
Comments: The only member of Lotidae family which lives in freshwater.  Crepuscular and nocturnal (Ref. 11941).  Adults are found in well oxygenated flowing waters and large, deep lakes as well as large rivers with slow-moving current (Ref. 5723, 10294). They occur from estuaries of large lowland rivers as well as from small mountain streams, preferring deep waters in summer (Ref. 59043).  They seek shelter under rocks, in crevices on the river banks, among roots of trees and dense vegetation (Ref. 30578, 10294).  Those in rivers tend to congregate in deep holes throughout the year, except at spawning (Ref. 27547).  Movements into shallower water during summer nights are related to feeding (Ref. 1998).  Smaller individuals feed on insect larvae, crayfish, mollusks and other invertebrates with a changing preference for fishes in larger individuals (Ref. 1998, 10294).  In Central Europe, males mature at 2 years while females at 3 years (Ref. 59043).  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 moves and rolls on the bottom while releasing eggs and sperms (Ref. 59043). May undertake short spawning migrations (Ref. 59043).  Eggs are semipelagic, 1.2-1.8 mm in diameter and slightly sticky hatching after 40-70 days (Ref. 59043).  Larvae are positively phototactic, floating below the surface in March and April (Ref. 59043).  Larvae feed on drifting invertebrates or zooplankton (Ref. 59043).  Source of oil.  Sold mainly salted.  Liver is sold smoked or canned in Europe (Ref. 1998).  Processed into fishmeal (Ref. 1998).  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 (Ref. 30578).  Locally threatened due to river regulation (Ref. 59043).