Burbot fish – a general description of fish in its natural habitat

First of all, it is worth understanding what a burbot is. This is a bottom predatory inhabitant of fresh water bodies, belonging to the cod-like family. Gourmets appreciate this fish for tender and tasty meat. Of particular value in burbot is not the liver. Its size is large enough and contains many useful nutrients for humans. True, there are disadvantages with long-term storage. Freezing leads to a loss of taste. In this article, we will consider what kind of fish burbot is and what it is eaten with.

Size, age, appearance of burbot

Predator under favorable conditions can grow more than one meter (1,2 m). Females reach the largest sizes. Males are slightly smaller. The weight of a large individual is 25 kg. Life expectancy can be 15 – 18 years. Pretty good timing for a fish.

If you do not know what burbot looks like, then we will tell you a little about it. Burbot is a family of cod and outwardly confirms this. The body has an elongated shape, tapering at the tail, resembling a torpedo. The front part is rounded, and the rest is narrowed laterally. Burbot is somewhat similar to catfish.

Burbot fish - a general description of fish in its natural habitat

In the dorsal part there is a two-segment fin. Shorter and smaller in front. The second fin almost reaches the tail. In the lower part of the body there is another fin identical to the dorsal one.

The head part is flattened. On the sides are small eyes. Small antennae are visible near the nostrils. On the sides and below, in the region of the gills, are the pectoral fins.

In the oral cavity there is a row of needle-like teeth, with which the predator deals with its prey without any problems. The whole body of the burbot is covered with dense small scales. It’s pretty hard to rip it off. In addition, the body is covered with mucus, which provides excellent gliding in the water column. We figured out who a burbot is and what he looks like.

Juveniles have a dark brown body description, black spots and a light belly. The fins are dark grey. Over time, the tones fade and the general background becomes more yellowish. The coloring is intended for camouflage and therefore the fish can change it depending on the habitat. Now it’s worth finding out where burbot is found.

Where does it live and lifestyle

Burbot prefers cooler climates. It is found mainly in rivers and reservoirs of the northern part of the earth. They can also be found in some southern regions, as a rule, small individuals live there.

It can also be found in European waters. True, in some countries the population is declining. These states include: Germany, the Netherlands, France, Austria.

But the most favorite habitat is Siberia (Russia) and the Arctic Ocean. Here is the most favorable habitat. Quite large individuals can be found in such areas. Mostly Russian burbot is a river inhabitant, but it also happens to be marine.

Habits and interesting facts of burbot behavior

The food and lifestyle of fish is quite unpretentious. Can feel comfortable on any ground:

  • שטיינערדיק;
  • זאַמדיק;
  • ליים;
  • muddy;
  • געמישט.

But despite this, the predator is scrupulous about the water itself. Prefers flowing clear waters. In case of pollution of the reservoir, the fish floats to the surface. It can stay motionless for a long time with its head turned towards the shore.

Burbot does not readily manifest itself in direct sunlight and moonlight. During such periods, there is a complete absence of biting.

 Dislike for sunlight is explained by the fact that burbot is predominantly a nocturnal inhabitant. The eyes are vulnerable to the sun. But it has not yet been possible to explain the phenomenon with moonlight. Perhaps the point is not in the rays, but in natural processes during this period of time.

Burbot is a very reproductive species. Nature endowed the female with the ability to throw up to several million eggs at a time. In this case, eggs can successfully develop without fertilization. This phenomenon is called parthenogenesis.

Separately, it is worth noting the hearing organs, which are very well developed. Extraneous sounds and noises do not frighten the predator, but rather attract. But interest is not caused by hunger, but only by curiosity.

Another interesting feature is the interest in the fish that is already in the cage. Burbot can swim up to her and even attack. Here the desire to satisfy hunger is already included. As many experts note, this individual is quite voracious and greedy of all freshwater predators.

נוציק פּראָפּערטיעס

Many people ask the question “burbot liver benefit and harm?”. It contains about 60% healing fat. But the usefulness doesn’t end there. Its meat has healing properties against diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart disease. With regular use of this fish, you can improve eyesight and generally increase immunity.

Gourmets note that an excellent ear is obtained from burbot. At one time, this dish was called royal fish soup. Before use, the liver is subjected to a small boil, and then it is ground with a smell in vegetable oil.

 The composition of the fish contains such microelements as:

  • וויטאַמינס א;
  • IN;
  • מיט;
  • D;
  • E.

In addition, it contains useful substances: iodine, copper, manganese, zinc. Burbot is a natural source of a large amount of protein, comparable to chicken breast. Accordingly, it is also possible to obtain the required amount of essential amino acids from it.

Scientists have proven that regular consumption of fish in food has a positive effect on the mental abilities of a person.

 Speech ability can improve by 6%, and intelligence by half. It is recommended to include fish in the diet at least twice a week. It was also discovered that fatty acids have a positive effect on the growth of nerve cells in a child. Even doctors advise adding some fish oil to infant formula.

In addition, burbot has dangerous elements in its composition that can destroy vitamin B1. But heat treatment neutralizes these substances and harm to health is excluded. Accordingly, raw fish should not be consumed.

Various ways to catch fish

Burbot, like many other aquatic biological resources, can be obtained in various ways. But first you need to prepare. Some beginners do not even know whether a burbot is a predator or not. Consider the most basic, which are most often used by experienced anglers. Which one is better depends on many factors.

For mugs and supplies

In order for fishing to be successful, it is necessary to find out where the burbot lives. Fishing won’t work. It can take more than one day to find fish. This is done by exhibiting special devices, which in the language of fishermen are called mugs and supplies. Devices sink to the bottom. At the same time, it is necessary to leave a supply of fishing line of 1 – 1,5 m in case that the predator does not drag the trap and does not confuse it for natural irregularities.

Burbot fish - a general description of fish in its natural habitat

Sinkers should be installed at a distance of 40 – 50 cm from the hooks. This is done to avoid swallowing the weights and carabiner. It is recommended to use a single hook, and only in exceptional cases double or triple. Too bulky hooks are better not to install, as the fish may be frightened.

It is better to hunt a predator with the help of circles in calm weather. For good tackle, you need to anchor. For this, a sliding sinker up to 30 gr is suitable. The leash must be at least 40 cm long.

The set is a more versatile bait that can be used in any weather. If the current is strong enough, then it is necessary to install the fishing line in the end slot. It is released when biting. The weight and size of the tackle is adjusted depending on the strength of the current.

A trap is set up with a boat. It is usually checked at night or early in the morning. The fishing line is installed with a margin, but not more than the depth of the river. Usually the predator does not go far after the attack.

Fishing for burbot on the bottom

Common burbot is most active in autumn (October – November). Usually during such periods, the weather worsens with cyclones with precipitation (rain, snow) and changes in atmospheric pressure. It is in such cases that donks show themselves most effectively.

The bottom tackle is a simple design without any special financial investments. It consists of a peg measuring 1 – 1,2 m, which can be made from improvised means. A strong wire is fixed at one end.

The line used is strong and reliable. As a rule, prey does not weigh much, but catching the bottom threatens with a serious measurement for snags and other objects. Otherwise, the tackle may be cut off.

Burbot fish - a general description of fish in its natural habitat

There should be two woods. One goes main (0,3 – 0,4 mm) and leash (0,2 – 0,25 mm). The length is 25 – 30 m. It is clear that the hook must withstand good loads. It is also worth paying attention to the forearm. It should be long and thin. Such a hook is easier to remove from the mouth of a predator.

An important element of this gear is the sinker. With it, the tackle is held in the right place. Too light tackle can be carried away by the current. The bite will be signaled by ordinary people with bells, which can be purchased at the store.

Burbot pecks mostly late at night. Therefore, donks are placed at dusk at a distance of 10 – 15 m from each other. It is difficult to miss a bite. The predator attacks the bait hard. Just as strongly and confidently you need to cut.

The caught fish does not resist much and it is not difficult to pull it to the shore. But do not relax, burbot can still try to break loose.

To fishing rod

You can also hunt burbot with a bait. True, it differs from the classic in terms of equipment. This rod does not have a float. The bite is determined by the tip of the rod. There are differences in the technique of fishing. The most effective is the side nod.

Tackle is not thrown into the reservoir with a swing motion, as is usually the case. The fishing line is immersed in the pond from the tip of the fishing rod vertically. A large hook or mormyshka is used as a hook.

The essence of the fishing technique is to twitch the bait along the bottom. It will be ideal if you can raise the dregs. Burbot can be attracted not only by the visual game, but also by the noise (crackling) emitted by the bait.

You can use a worm as a live bait. The vast majority of bites fall on him. But most often comes across a small burbot. For a larger predator, it is better to cut pieces of fish (tulka, roach).

What to catch burbot: tackle and bait

Before hunting, you need to find out what the burbot eats. The forage base is quite wide. Accordingly, you can fish on the following baits:

  • נערוו;
  • ברעקלעך פון פיש;
  • זשאַבע
  • וואָרמס;
  • הינדל לעבער;
  • ראַק;
  • בעט;
  • leech;
  • מילך;
  • ינסעקט לאַרווי.

There are cases when a predator gets on a spinning rod, i.e. on a spinner, but this is rather an exception. You should not hunt for burbot with spinning, but for the above lures completely.

 In autumn, burbot is well caught on a bunch of worms. This scares off small fish, and the predator takes it willingly. It also shows good activity in winter. In the cold season, live bait is excellent.

In the spring it is recommended to use a small frog as a bait. The predator loves to eat them during this period. True, in some reservoirs, fish can choose other food, but they will not refuse a frog either.

Burbot fish - a general description of fish in its natural habitat

In summer, you can put creeps and worms on the hook. Keep in mind that during the warm period, the predator is less active. More or less begins to peck in bad weather.

The best bait for all seasons is live bait, namely ruff and perch. Burbot will never refuse them.

How to clean burbot and cooking methods

Burbot fish, which is very difficult to clean from scales. Some housewives do not even want to take on this fish at this stage, not to mention cooking. In fact, there is no special work in this. It is enough just to remove all the skin along with the scales. Also, many are wondering if burbot is a bony fish or not.

First you need to wash the fish from dirt and mucus. Then, with a knife, make an incision in the abdomen along the entire length and remove the skin. Then take out the insides. Gills and fins are also not needed. You can cook almost everything from burbot. Pan frying, baking, etc. But the most popular dish is fish soup. The recipe can be found online.

It is difficult to remove the skin from small burbot, so it is better to wither it.

לאָזן אַ ענטפֿערן