A rare, bright yellow burbot has been discovered in New York’s Oswego Harbor during a routine invasive species survey.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the fish has a rare genetic condition called xanthochromism, which causes its unusual yellow-orange coloring.
The discovery marks the first documented burbot found during a fisheries survey in the harbor. Burbot typically live in deeper, colder waters, and their populations in Lake Ontario are extremely low.
Biologists say the fish appeared underweight and in poor health. It was sent to Cornell University for further examination.
Researchers hope the unusual catch will provide insight into the health of burbot populations across the Great Lakes.
Photo: USFWS
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