How to Identify Pacific Hake

To identify Pacific Hake (Merluccius productus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery-gray to metallic blue-gray dorsally, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are typically dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, terminal mouth extending to or beyond the posterior margin of the eye, with sharp, recurved teeth., Two dorsal fins: the first is short and triangular, the second is long and deeply notched., A single, long anal fin, also deeply notched, mirroring the second dorsal fin., Pectoral fins are long and slender, reaching to or beyond the anus., Absence of a caudal fin fork; the caudal fin is truncate to slightly emarginate., Lateral line is prominent and slightly arched anteriorly.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first is short with 10-13 rays, the second is long, deeply notched, with 38-43 rays.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate (not deeply forked).

Pectoral fin

Long and slender, typically reaching to or beyond the anus.

Distinctive fins

The deeply notched second dorsal and anal fins are characteristic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Elongated and slender, tapering towards the tail.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Very large, terminal mouth with sharp, pointed teeth, extending past the eye.

3. 3

   Dorsal and Anal Fins

   Two dorsal fins (first short, second long and deeply notched) and a single, long, deeply notched anal fin.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Silvery-gray to metallic blue-gray on the back, fading to white on the belly.

5. 5

   Pectoral Fins

   Long and slender, often reaching past the vent.

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