A routine fish survey in Oswego Harbor, New York, produced a catch that stopped the crew cold. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reports that biologists pulled up a burbot that is almost entirely yellow-orange, a striking case of burbot xanthochromism.
The crew was conducting an Aquatic Invasive Species Survey when they landed the fish. Burbot, scientifically known as Lota lota, are normally brown with dark spots. This one’s color comes from burbot xanthochromism, a rare condition that makes the fish bright yellow-orange.
What causes burbot xanthochromism
Burbot xanthochromism is a rare genetic mutation. It suppresses the dark pigment that gives most fish their usual coloring, leaving yellow and orange tones in its place.
The condition is not new to science, but this rare fish mutation rarely shows up in the wild. Finding a burbot with xanthochromism is exceptionally rare.
Rare sightings in the wild are hard to document, and a candid survey of wildlife camera traps shows how fragile some populations already are. Camera Trap Study Shows South African Cheetah Decline reveals the scale of that threat.
A 2024 case drew wide attention when an orange shark made headlines. Scientists later determined the shark had a rarer combination of traits: albinism and xanthochromism. Albinism explained its unusual eyes, while xanthochromism gave its skin the neon-orange color.
Why this burbot matters
Burbot are a native species, so they are not the main target of the Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection and Monitoring Program. That program uses advanced technology and targeted surveillance to find watchlist species across New York’s Great Lakes, rivers, and harbors.
Most fish caught during these surveys are native. Biologists inspect them and release them unharmed. Burbot are notable even in typical form, because their populations in the Great Lakes are low.
The fish was not in good shape. USGS biologists on the team said it looked emaciated and unhealthy. They transported it to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for detailed analysis.
USFWS says the find could help the species as a whole. “The discovery could turn out to be lucky for the species too; this exceptionally rare fish may provide valuable insight into the health of the species’ populations throughout the basin that can inform management actions,” the agency said.
Rare animals in the lens
Wildlife photographers have also documented unusual animals. In 2024, photographer Yves Adams captured an ultra-rare all-black penguin.
Adams’s photographs show how much the camera itself shapes what we see of elusive animals. How Mirrorless Cameras Redefined Wildlife Photography explains why modern gear makes capturing rare moments far easier.
Adams had photographed an unusual bird before. A few years earlier, he took pictures of what he believes was a never-before-seen yellow penguin, a color pattern similar to the burbot’s.
H/T petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What is burbot xanthochromism and what causes it?
Burbot xanthochromism is a rare genetic mutation that suppresses the dark pigment that gives most fish their usual coloring. In its place, the fish shows yellow and orange tones, as seen in the nearly yellow burbot caught in Oswego Harbor.
Where was the nearly yellow burbot caught and during what survey?
The nearly yellow burbot was caught in Oswego Harbor, New York, during an Aquatic Invasive Species Survey. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported the find.
Where was the yellow burbot taken for detailed analysis?
The fish was transported to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for detailed analysis. Biologists noted it looked emaciated and unhealthy when it was found.
Why aren’t burbot the main target of the invasive species program?
Burbot are a native species, so they are not the main target of the Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection and Monitoring Program. That program focuses on watchlist species across New York’s Great Lakes, rivers, and harbors.
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