How to Identify Saithe

To identify Saithe (Pollachius virens), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is typically dark green to black, fading to a silvery-grey on the flanks and a white belly. The coloration can vary slightly with habitat depth and light conditions.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Absence of a chin barbel (unlike Atlantic Cod), Pale, almost straight lateral line that contrasts with the dark body, Three dorsal fins and two anal fins, Forked caudal fin

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

Strongly forked (lunate) caudal fin, indicative of a fast-swimming pelagic species.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small and positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

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

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Line

   The most distinguishing feature is its pale, almost straight lateral line, which stands out against its dark body. This differentiates it from Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) which has a curved lateral line and a chin barbel, and Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) which has a dark spot above the pectoral fin and a curved lateral line.

2. 2

   Chin Barbel

   Saithe lacks a chin barbel, a feature present in many other cod-family members like Atlantic Cod and Haddock.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Its dark, almost black to dark green dorsal coloration, fading to silvery-grey and white, is characteristic. This is generally darker than Atlantic Cod.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its streamlined, torpedo-shaped body is adapted for fast swimming, contrasting with the more robust body of Atlantic Cod.

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