Fish
Saithe
Pollachius virens
(V) Icelandic and Faroese Waters
Fishing zone
Wild
Origin
61 cm
Minimum size
Description
The saithe is recognizable by its dark gray back. A close relative of the cod, it differs from the cod mainly in that it lacks barbels. Often confused with the cod, it can be distinguished by its straight lateral line, which runs from the gills to the tail.
Habitat
Saithe are found in the cold and temperate waters of the northeastern Atlantic: from Greenland to Norway, all the way to the Bay of Biscay. They live near the coast, at depths of up to 400 meters.
Distribution
It is a predator. The younger ones hunt small crustaceans. The adults mainly prey on small fish, which they swallow whole.