Blue Whiting and Similar Species
Micromesistius poutassou
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Blue Whiting. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Key differences: Atlantic Cod has a prominent chin barbel, a more robust body, and a different fin configuration (three dorsal fins, two anal fins, but the first dorsal is typically taller and the fins are often less distinctly separated).
Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Key differences: Haddock has a distinct black lateral line and a prominent black 'thumbprint' spot above the pectoral fin, both absent in Blue Whiting. It also possesses a chin barbel.
Pollock (Saithe)
Pollachius virens
Key differences: Pollock has a straighter lateral line, a more greenish-brown coloration, and a smaller chin barbel (sometimes absent in juveniles). Its dorsal and anal fins are also configured differently, with the first dorsal being taller.
Southern Blue Whiting
Micromesistius australis
Key differences: Southern Blue Whiting is found in the Southern Hemisphere. Morphologically very similar, but M. poutassou generally has a slightly longer head and larger eyes relative to its body size, and a different vertebral count (58-62 vs. 54-57 for M. australis).
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