Biologists find rare orange burbot in New York Harbor

Biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service caught a rare native burbot in Oswego Harbor in New York.

The team discovered the fish while conducting a routine survey to identify invasive species in the Great Lakes region. The burbot is a freshwater fish from the cod family that usually has olive or brown coloring. This specific fish appeared bright orange because of xanthochromism, a rare genetic mutation that suppresses normal pigmentation.

While the fish looks different, it is a native species that typically lives in deep, cold waters. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the discovery proves that their monitoring program works. Because the team used a variety of methods like electrofishing and environmental DNA analysis, they were able to find a native fish that is rarely seen in that area.

The agency believes this success shows they can also detect invasive species when they first enter the water in small numbers. The burbot population in the Great Lakes has declined over the last century due to predation by invasive sea lampreys. The agency states that their ability to find such a rare native fish confirms that their survey strategy can identify species that are difficult to locate.