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Apri l'appDescrizione
Pollachius australis, commonly known as the Southern Pollock, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Gadidae. It is characterized by its streamlined body, three dorsal fins, and two anal fins, typical of cod-like fishes. While the name 'Merluzzo Australe' suggests a direct relation to true hakes (Merluccius spp.) or cods (Gadus spp.), its scientific classification places it within the genus Pollachius, alongside the better-known Atlantic Pollock (Pollachius virens). This species is primarily found in the cooler, temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, where it plays a significant ecological role as both a predator and prey item.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- torpedo
- Colorazione
- Dorsal side typically dark greenish-brown to olive, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are generally dusky. Some individuals may exhibit faint mottling or darker blotches.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Three distinct dorsal fins, well-separated., Two distinct anal fins, the first being longer than the second., A prominent, continuous lateral line that is typically straight or slightly curved., Absence of a barbel on the chin (a key differentiator from true cods and some hakes)., Large eyes relative to head size.
- Pinna dorsale
- Three dorsal fins: D1 (12-15 rays), D2 (18-22 rays), D3 (17-20 rays). All are soft-rayed.
- Pinna caudale
- Caudal fin is emarginate to slightly forked, with 20-24 rays.
- Pinna pettorale
- Pectoral fins are moderately sized, located just behind the operculum, with 18-20 rays.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, positioned anterior to the pectoral fins, with 6-7 rays. The first anal fin is significantly longer than the second.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Dorsal Fins
Count three distinct dorsal fins. This immediately distinguishes it from species with one or two dorsal fins.
Anal Fins
Observe two distinct anal fins, with the first being noticeably longer than the second.
Chin Barbel
Check for the absence of a barbel on the chin. This is a crucial feature to differentiate it from true cods (Gadus spp.) and some hakes (Merluccius spp.).
Lateral Line
Note the prominent, usually straight or slightly curved lateral line along the body.
Body Shape and Coloration
Its torpedo-shaped body and dark greenish-brown dorsal coloration fading to silvery-white are characteristic.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in demersal to benthopelagic zones, ranging from 50 meters to over 500 meters, with juveniles sometimes found in shallower waters.
- Ambiente
- Cool temperate to sub-Antarctic marine waters, preferring continental shelves and slopes, often associated with rocky bottoms, seamounts, and areas with strong currents. Forms schools, particularly during spawning.
- Areale geografico
- Primarily found in the Southern Hemisphere. Its distribution includes the waters around southern Australia, New Zealand, and potentially extending into the sub-Antarctic regions of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Specific distribution requires further research to delineate precise boundaries.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specific environmental needs.
- Temperatura: 4-12°C (39-54°F)
- Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
- Durezza: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibilità: Not compatible with other fish in an aquarium setting due to its predatory nature and large size. Requires a highly specialized, large public aquarium environment.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires extremely large, cold-water marine systems with strong filtration, significant water movement, and a constant supply of live or fresh frozen prey. Not a species typically kept in private aquaria.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Availability can vary seasonally based on fishing quotas and spawning aggregations, but generally available year-round in commercial fisheries.
- Prezzo di mercato: Variable, depends on region and market demand. Generally moderate to high.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet, clean fish flavor.
- Consistenza: Flaky, firm, white flesh.
- Metodi di cottura: Baking, Frying, Grilling, Steaming, Poaching
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin B12, Selenium).
Fatti chiave
Southern Counterpartinteresting
Pollachius australis is considered the Southern Hemisphere ecological and morphological counterpart to the Atlantic Pollock (Pollachius virens).
Misnomer Alertinteresting
Despite its common name 'Merluzzo Australe' (Australian Hake/Cod), it is not a true hake (Merluccius) or cod (Gadus) but belongs to the genus Pollachius.
Demersal Predatorbehavior
This species is an active demersal predator, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods in its deep-water habitat.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Southern Pollock are known to form large schools, particularly during spawning periods, which makes them a target for commercial fisheries.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions beyond standard fish handling practices. Care should be taken with sharp fin rays, as with any fish, to avoid minor cuts. No venomous spines or toxic properties.
Specie simili
Atlantic Pollock
Pollachius virens
P. australis is geographically separated, found in the Southern Hemisphere, while P. virens is found in the North Atlantic. Morphologically, P. australis generally has a slightly more slender body and often a less pronounced greenish hue than P. virens, though these can be subtle.
Hake species
Merluccius spp.
Hakes typically have only two dorsal fins (the first short, the second long) and one long anal fin, and often possess a small chin barbel (though not always prominent). P. australis has three dorsal and two anal fins, and no chin barbel.
Cod species
Gadus spp.
True cods (e.g., Gadus morhua) possess a prominent chin barbel, which is absent in Pollachius australis. While both have three dorsal and two anal fins, the presence/absence of the barbel is a key distinguishing feature.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Gadiformes
- Famiglia
- Gadidae
- Genere
- Pollachius
- Specie
- australis
Esplora Southern Pollock
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