Single barbel located in middle of lower jaw, rounded tail fin. I n South Dakota, the burbot is limited to the Missouri River drainage. It is the only inland freshwater member of the cod family. It prefers the deeper, cooler water of lakes and large rivers, normally hiding by day and emerging at night to feed.
Young burbots feed primarily on insect larvae, and adults subsist on crayfish and fish.
The burbot spawns in the winter. Spawning occurs at night, typically under the cover of ice in shallow sandy bays or on gravel shoals. Eggs are broadcast over the substrate, and no nest is built. The burbot commonly grows to 5 pounds or more. In spite of its appearance, its flesh is white, flaky, and tasty.