Great Lakes Water Life Photo Gallery

Fish

Freshwater Cods

Family: Gadidae - Freshwater Cods

Distribution and Habitat

N=Native, I=Introduced (exotic), X=Extinct, P=Extirpated

Image/Link	Scientific Name	Common Name	Lake Superior	Lake Michigan	Lake Huron	Lake Erie	Lake Ontario	Habitat
	Lota lota	burbot	N	N	N	N	N	stream/creek/river/littoral/benthic

Table modified from "The Life of the Lakes: A Guide to the Great Lakes Fishery" MI Sea Grant Extension, Michigan State University.

Species Profile

Lota lota - burbot

Profile - Interactive Fishtank - Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Profile - Fishes of Minnesota
Profile - Fishes of New York State
Profile - Great Lakes Field Guide - A Superior Adventure - Bell Museum

MI DNR - ID of Snakehead versus common native species

In streams, young burbot seek out shallow waters that have vegetation and debris. As they grow they move to rocky riffles and then on to pools or under banks that are cut from below by the passing water. They eat mostly other fish. Depending on where they live, these might include sculpins, yellow perch, walleyes, troutperch, or lake trout. They also eat fish eggs, clams, and crayfish. Young burbots eat small crayfish, mayfly larvae, and other aquatic insects. Length to 80 cm. The Minnesota state record for this fish is a little less than 9-kg (19 lbs 3 oz). The embryos develop for 4-5 weeks in cold water and hatch at the tiny size of 3-3.5 mm (less than 0.15 in)--one of the smallest of freshwater fish larvae.

Great Lakes Waterlife Photo Gallery

Fishes of Minnesota

Additional drawings/artwork:
Fishes of New York State

Additional photos:
EPA GLNPO - Great Lakes Fish

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