Latin name

Pollachius pollachius

Identification

The European pollock is similar to the pollock. However, unlike its relative, the European pollock's lateral line curves over the pectoral fins. The lower jaw lacks antennae. Vertebrae: 52-55. The lower jaw clearly protrudes behind the upper jaw. There are sensory canals on the head with large pores.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29 - 33; Anal soft rays: 27 - 30.

These fish have short dorsal and anal fins.

Fish colouring

The European pollock has a black, brown, or olive-colored back, a greenish lateral line, and a silver-gray belly.

Distribution

The species' distribution area extends from Scandinavia and Iceland through the British Isles to Morocco in the northeastern Atlantic. It also inhabits the North Sea and the western Mediterranean Sea.

Habitat

This marine benthopelagic oceanodromous species prefers temperate climates. It inhabits shelf regions or near the rocky bottom at depths of up to about 200 meters.

Size

These fish have a body length of approximately 75 cm, but can reach up to 130 cm. The maximum published weight is 18.1 kg. Their life expectancy is approximately eight years.

Behavior

European pollock have been observed near shipwrecks and oil platforms. Adults are found alone or in small, scattered groups, but they are known to form dense groups on spawning grounds. They undertake spawning migrations. Juveniles have been reported to emit repeated, short grunting sounds during competitive feeding and aggressive encounters.

Food and feeding habits

The diet of these fish is based on herring, shrimp (Pandalidae) and Ammodytidae. 

Reproduction

Spawning occurs from January to May at depths of 100 to 150 meters in water temperatures ranging from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. The fry emerge from the pelagic, drifting eggs after a week. They spend the first two to three years of their lives near the coast, eating plankton and often forming schools with similarly sized pollock.

Fishing

It is caught as bycatch in the cod and saithe fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. These fish have dry flesh with a pleasant flavor.