Hai una foto? Identifica i pesci all'istante con l'app Fishby.
Apri l'appDescrizione
Pollachius virens, commonly known as Saithe or Coalfish, is a commercially important marine fish belonging to the cod family, Gadidae. It is a fast-swimming, schooling fish found in the North Atlantic Ocean. Characterized by its streamlined body, dark coloration, and prominent lateral line, it is a predatory species that undergoes significant migrations throughout its life cycle. It is highly valued in fisheries for its firm, white flesh.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- torpedo
- Colorazione
- Dorsal side is typically dark greenish-black to dark grey, fading to a silvery-grey on the flanks and a white belly. The dark coloration gives it the common name 'coalfish'.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Prominent, pale, straight lateral line running along the entire body, contrasting sharply with the dark background., Small barbel, often absent or rudimentary, on the chin (unlike Atlantic Cod which has a prominent barbel)., Three dorsal fins and two anal fins., Forked caudal fin.
- Pinna dorsale
- Three distinct dorsal fins: first dorsal fin with 13-16 rays, second with 20-24 rays, third with 19-24 rays.
- Pinna caudale
- Strongly forked (emarginate) caudal fin.
- Pinna pettorale
- Relatively long and pointed pectoral fins.
- Pinne distintive
- Two distinct anal fins: first with 20-25 rays, second with 19-23 rays. Pelvic fins are small and located anterior to the pectoral fins.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Lateral Line
The most distinguishing feature is its very straight, pale lateral line, which stands out against its dark body. This differentiates it from Atlantic Cod (which has a curved lateral line) and Haddock (which has a dark spot above the pectoral fin and a curved lateral line).
Chin Barbel
Saithe typically has a very small or absent chin barbel, unlike the prominent barbel found on Atlantic Cod and Haddock.
Coloration
Its dark, almost blackish-green dorsal coloration, fading to silvery sides and a white belly, is characteristic. This is generally darker than Atlantic Cod.
Body Shape
More streamlined and torpedo-shaped than the more robust Atlantic Cod.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in depths ranging from 0 to 200 meters, but can occur down to 300-400 meters. Juveniles are often found in shallower coastal waters.
- Ambiente
- Pelagic and demersal, inhabiting both open water and near the seabed over rocky bottoms, sand, and gravel. Forms large schools, especially when young.
- Areale geografico
- North Atlantic Ocean, including the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, North Sea, Icelandic waters, Greenland, and along the North American coast from Greenland to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquariums due to large size and schooling behavior. Requires very large public aquarium exhibits.
- Temperatura: 2-10°C (36-50°F)
- Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
- Durezza: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibilità: Only compatible with very large, robust marine species in extremely large public aquariums. Highly predatory towards smaller fish.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires immense tank volume, strong filtration, constant cold water temperatures, and a diet of large, meaty foods. Not a species for private aquarists.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Available year-round, with peak fishing seasons varying by region (e.g., late summer to winter in some North Atlantic areas).
- Prezzo di mercato: Varies significantly by region and market, generally moderate to high.
- Importanza commerciale: high
- Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet, less flaky than cod.
- Consistenza: Firm, moist, and meaty.
- Metodi di cottura: Baking, Frying, Grilling, Poaching, Smoking, Steaming
- Valore nutrizionale: Excellent source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. Low in fat.
Fatti chiave
Fast Swimmerbehavior
Saithe are known for their strong swimming abilities and often form large, fast-moving schools, especially when hunting.
Dietary Shiftbehavior
Juvenile Saithe primarily feed on crustaceans, while adults transition to a diet dominated by smaller fish like herring, capelin, and sand eels.
Long Migrationsbehavior
This species undertakes extensive seasonal migrations for feeding and spawning, often covering hundreds or thousands of kilometers.
Longevityinteresting
Saithe can live for up to 25-30 years, reaching sexual maturity around 4-6 years of age.
Ecological Roleinteresting
As a significant predator of smaller schooling fish, Saithe plays a crucial role in the North Atlantic marine food web.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. Not venomous or dangerous.
Specie simili
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic Cod has a prominent chin barbel, a curved lateral line, and typically a lighter, mottled brown or greenish coloration. Its body is generally more robust.
Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Haddock has a distinct dark 'thumbprint' or 'St. Peter's mark' above the pectoral fin, a curved lateral line, and a prominent chin barbel. Its body is typically silvery-grey with a dark lateral line.
Pollock (Walleye Pollock)
Gadus chalcogrammus (formerly Theragra chalcogramma)
Walleye Pollock is primarily a Pacific species, though some range overlap exists. It generally has a more mottled coloration, a less distinct lateral line, and a smaller mouth. The European Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) is another close relative, distinguished by its darker, curved lateral line and projecting lower jaw.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Gadiformes
- Famiglia
- Gadidae
- Genere
- Pollachius
- Specie
- Pollachius virens
Esplora Saithe
Identifica pesci ovunque
Gratis su iOS, Android e Web. Identificazione tramite foto, dettagli completi sulle specie e molto altro.