Juveniele kwabaal in de spotlights

Juvenile Burbot in the spotlights Evidence of natural reproduction of burbot is difficult, but necessary to evaluate the success of a reintroduction. Burbot has a hidden lifestyle and is by consequence difficult to catch by electro-fishing, especially the smaller individuals. Also, the enormous variation in growth of this toppredator during the first year of its life complicates the interpretation of its age. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out the research on natural reproduction during the larval phase or in the first months of its life. Visual inspection of burbot larvae in littoral zones in Belgium, is possible on sunny, windless days in March, provided the necessary experience is available. However, in order to be independent of the weather conditions, lighttraps can be used on stagnant, clear waterbodies such as gravel lakes, depressions in flood plains, lakes, canals, etc. Light traps can be used approximately from the beginning of March till the end of April and considerably raise the chance of observations at locations with low densities of burbot larvae.