Blue Whiting

Fact File: Common Name(s): Blue Whiting Scientific Name: Micromesistius poutassou Usual Size: Max. 50cm UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: Boat: MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: Very similar body plan as Merlangius merlangus. No chin barbel, with the lower jaw slightly longer than the upper jaw, and the eyes are large in proportion to head size. Three dorsal fins all widely spaced, with the first being slightly pointed in profile. Of the two anal fins, the first has a long base, in fact longer than the distance from the snout to the anus. The back is a silver grey to bluish grey, that fades into the silvery sides and white belly. Breeding: Spawns between February and May, and becomes sexually mature between 2 to 4 years of age, at at length of 20cm or more. Habitat: This pelagic fish is normally found at depths of between 300 to 400m, in large shoals. Food: Diet consists of crustaceans and small fish? Range: Associated with the northern coasts of the U.K. waters, although it extends to Iceland and Norway, and to the Mediterranean in the south. Additional Notes:

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