How to Identify Pollack

To identify Pollack (Pollachius pollachius), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side dark greenish-brown to olive, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are typically dark. The lateral line is distinctly curved and lighter in color, often yellowish or pale.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Prominent, strongly curved lateral line, lighter than the body color., Absence of a barbel on the chin (distinguishes from cod and haddock)., Three dorsal fins and two anal fins., Large eyes., Protruding lower jaw.

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively large and pointed pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

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

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Line

   The most reliable identifier: a distinctively curved lateral line that is lighter in color than the body, often yellowish or pale. It curves sharply upwards over the pectoral fin.

2. 2

   Chin Barbel

   Pollack lack a chin barbel, which is present in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) and Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus).

3. 3

   Lower Jaw

   The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, giving it a slightly underslung appearance.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Generally darker, more greenish-brown on the back compared to the often more greyish-brown of Atlantic Cod or the darker, almost black back of Saithe.

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