go BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 
root puT, whence come the words “ pod” and “ pudding.” 
Such an appellation would roughly denote the general appear- 
ance of this fish, for it has a greatly elongated body 
and a prominent stomach. The head is wide and 
rather flat ; the eyes are placed laterally—that is, on the sides 
of the head. The body is covered with scales, which are 
described as embedded in the skin, so as to give the whole 
surface a pitted appearance. The general ground colour of 
back, sides, and fins is olive-green, with a marbling of dark 
brown or black. The under-parts are lighter, tending to 
white. Like all the Cod Family, the burbot is well furnished 
with fins, having two dorsal fins ; the base of the second covers 
half the entire length of the animal, and is well balanced by 
the anal fin, which, however, has a slightly shorter base. The 
caudal fin is peculiar, shaped like a leaf or broad spear-head, 
resembling that of its near relative the ling. The pectoral fins 
are broad and rounded, and the ventral fins are immediately 
under the throat. Although living on the bottom, like the 
ling, the burbot is furnished with a long air-bladder. In 
England its length is often from one foot to two feet, and 
its weight from 2 lb. to 3 lb. ; but it seems to be one of those 
plastic creatures which can adapt their stature to their means 
of sustenance, for it has been reported from the Rhine of the 
weight of 30 lb. 
In habit the burbot is as retiring as the miller’s thumb, 
living chiefly in holes and under stones during the day, 
Habits and Whence country people sometimes call it the coney 
distribution. fish. In such places it lies in wait for its prey, 
which consists of other fish, or almost any living creature 
which it is strong enough to tackle. It is, however, chiefly 
a nocturnal feeder, which deprives it of all value in the 
angler’s esteem ; but its flesh is said to be excellent, and 
in places where it abounds it is diligently fished for with 
night-lines, nets, and eel-baskets. It is reputed to be in 
best condition for the table during the spawning season, 
Appearance, 
