Pollachius virens

Pollachius virens
Pollock – Pollachius virens
Source: FAO 2002
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
GadidaePollachius virens(Linnaeus)1758Pollock

Family Gadidae — Large fish to 2 m, commonly from 30 to 100 cm, with elongated body and moderately deep caudal peduncle. Top of head lacking V-shaped ridge. Mouth large with either upper jaw or lower jaw slightly protruding in many; teeth on vomer. Small chin barbel present in most species. Long dorsal fin divided into 3 parts; anal fin in 2 parts. Caudal fin well developed, truncate to forked; pectoral fins well developed, pointed; pelvic fins short, thoracic.

Pollachius virens

Unique Characters: Body dark above and pale yellowish on sides. Lateral line pale to gray. Lower jaw slightly longer than upper jaw. Chin barbel very small or absent. Caudal fin forked. First anal fin with long base, 1/2 or more of preanal distance.

Similar Species: Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua. Body color variable but with many brown spots. Lateral line whitish. Lower jaw slightly shorter than upper jaw. Chin barbel large. Caudal fin straight edged. First anal fin short-based, less than 1/2 preanal distance.

Gadus morhua
Atlantic Cod – Gadus morhua
Source: FAO 2002

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