Burbot

Burbot (Lota vulgaris), the sole species of the genus and the only freshwater fish of the cod family. It is found in the rivers of the midland and eastern counties, is widely distributed in Europe, and occurs in India and Siberia. English specimens are rarely more than from 2 lbs. to 3 lbs. in weight, but fish of 16 lbs. have been taken from the Austrian lakes, and specimens of 30 lbs. are recorded from the Rhine. The Burbot is a freshwater ling (q.v.), and differs from that fish chiefly in the disposition of the fin-rays. Colour olive-green, spotted with black, above; whitish beneath. The flesh is white, firm, and well-flavoured. An oil obtained from the liver was formerly of some repute in medicine.