Studies of the food of Fresh Water Fishes

• Published in: Illinois Natural History Survey Bulletin
• Main Author: Forbes, Stephen A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 1888
• Subjects: Burbot; lota
• Online Access: https://iopn.library.illinois.edu/journals/inhs/article/view/91

The cod family is represented in Illinois by only a single species, the burbot (Lota maculosa), occurring in the interior of Lake Michigan, and making its way at irregular intervals to the shallow waters within the reach of ordinary fishing operations. Since the opening of canals between the Great Lakes and the river systems of the State, occasional specimens have been taken in the Illinois and Mississippi. Its predaceous character is too well known to make special description of its alimentary structures necessary. It is reported by Mr. G. Brown Goode to feed upon various small fishes and Crustacea which frequent the bottom, devouring more particularly fishes with habits like its own. It is extremely voracious, with a wonderfully distensible stomach; and not only captures the most active fishes, such as the pike, but will eat carrion, and may even swallow stones. It is reported to be nocturnal in habit, and often to secure its prey by stealth.