How to Identify Blue Whiting

To identify Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is typically steel-blue to grey-blue, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Three dorsal fins, well separated, Two anal fins, also well separated, Large eyes relative to head size, Small, deciduous scales, Absence of a chin barbel (distinguishing feature from true cods)

Dorsal fin

Three distinct dorsal fins. The first is short, the second and third are longer and similar in length.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located anterior to the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Dorsal Fins

   Three distinct dorsal fins, clearly separated, unlike some other gadoids with continuous or barely separated fins.

2. 2

   Anal Fins

   Two distinct anal fins, also clearly separated.

3. 3

   Chin Barbel

   Absence of a chin barbel, which is present in many true cod species (e.g., Atlantic Cod, Haddock).

4. 4

   Coloration

   Silvery-blue back fading to white belly, a characteristic pelagic coloration.

5. 5

   Eye Size

   Relatively large eyes, adapted for low light conditions in deeper waters.

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