The Biology and Taxonomy of the Burbot, Lota lota, in Heming Lake, Manitoba

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Abstract
Vital statistics on the burbot, Lota lota, of Heming Lake, Manitoba were collected over a period of several years. Age, weight and length data are presented. The maximum age of fish in the sample was 8 years. The largest fish (for which no age was determined) was 33 inches long and weighed 11 pounds. The growth of Heming Lake burbot appears slower than in Lakes Erie and Simcoe. The main types of food found in 1,441 burbot stomachs, in order of highest incidence, were yellow perch, ninespine sticklebacks and crayfish. Winter food was almost exclusively ninespine sticklebacks. The average number of eggs per female was approximately 1/2 million. Spawning probably occurred in early March. The morphometry of the burbot of Heming Lake was described on a sample of over 100 fish. The inadequacy of most of the published data made comparisons with other populations almost impossible. It was concluded that, until statistically significant samples are obtained over the burbot''s range, there is insufficient evidence for recognizing subspecific differences and that all should be referred to as Lota lota (Linnaeus).

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