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Merluccius merluccius, commonly known as the European Hake, is a commercially important demersal fish species belonging to the family Merlucciidae. It is characterized by its elongated body, large mouth, and silvery coloration. This species plays a significant ecological role as a predator in its benthic and benthopelagic habitats.
Fysieke kenmerken
- Lichaamsvorm
- elongated
- Kleur
- Dorsal side is typically greyish-blue to greyish-brown, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. The inside of the mouth and gill cavity are black.
- Schubtype
- cycloid
- Positie van de bek
- terminal
- Onderscheidende kenmerken
- Large head with a prominent lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw., Two dorsal fins: the first is short and triangular, the second is long and deeply notched., A single, long anal fin that mirrors the second dorsal fin., Absence of a barbel on the chin (distinguishing feature from cod-like fishes)., Large, sharp, recurved teeth in both jaws.
- Rugvin
- Two dorsal fins; the first is short with 9-11 rays, the second is long and deeply notched with 36-40 rays.
- Staartvin
- Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Borstvin
- Relatively long and pointed pectoral fins, reaching to or beyond the anus.
- Kenmerkende vinnen
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, located anterior to the pectoral fins.
Identificatietips
Body Shape and Coloration
Look for an elongated, slender body, greyish-blue to silvery coloration, and a distinctively large head.
Mouth and Teeth
Observe the large mouth with a projecting lower jaw and prominent, sharp teeth. The inside of the mouth and gill cavity are black.
Fin Structure
Note the two dorsal fins (one short, one long and notched) and a single, long anal fin. The absence of a chin barbel is also key.
Size
Adults commonly reach 45-80 cm in length, with a maximum recorded length of up to 140 cm and weight of 15 kg.
Habitat
- Watertype
- saltwater
- Diepte
- Typically found at depths ranging from 70 to 800 meters, though juveniles can be found in shallower waters (30-100m).
- Omgeving
- Demersal and benthopelagic, inhabiting continental shelves and slopes over muddy or sandy bottoms. They undertake diurnal vertical migrations, moving into mid-water at night to feed.
- Geografisch verspreidingsgebied
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Norway and Iceland south to Mauritania, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Aquariuminformatie
- Verzorgingsniveau: expert
- Temperament: aggressive
- Dieet: carnivore
- Minimale aquariumgrootte: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specialized needs. Requires very large public aquarium setups.
- Temperatuur: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
- pH-waarde: 7.8-8.4
- Hardheid: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibiliteit: Not compatible with most other species due to its predatory nature and size. Best kept in species-specific exhibits or with very large, robust tank mates.
- Speciale vereisten: Requires extremely large, deep tanks with strong filtration and specific temperature/salinity controls. Not a typical aquarium fish.
Informatie uit het wild
- Beschermingsstatus: vulnerable
- Seizoensgebondenheid: Available year-round, but peak fishing seasons can vary regionally, often with higher catches in cooler months when they aggregate for spawning or feeding.
- Marktprijs: Varies significantly by region, season, and size, but generally commands a good price due to its desirable flesh.
- Commercieel belang: high
- Smaak: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet
- Textuur: Flaky, firm, white flesh
- Bereidingswijzen: Baking, Grilling, Frying, Poaching, Steaming
- Voedingswaarde: Excellent source of lean protein, low in fat, rich in B vitamins and minerals like phosphorus and selenium.
Belangrijke feiten
Diurnal Migrationbehavior
European Hake exhibit a distinct diurnal vertical migration pattern, remaining near the seabed during the day and ascending into the water column at night to feed.
Voracious Predatorbehavior
As adults, European Hake are highly predatory, primarily feeding on other fish (e.g., sardines, anchovies, mackerel, blue whiting) and cephalopods.
Longevityinteresting
European Hake can live for up to 20 years, with growth rates varying significantly depending on environmental conditions and food availability.
Spawning Aggregationsbehavior
They form dense spawning aggregations in specific areas, typically during winter and spring, which makes them particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure.
Veiligheidsinformatie
Veilig- Veiligheidsniveau: safe
- Giftig: Nee
- Eetbaarheid: edible
- Hanteringsnotities: No specific handling precautions beyond standard fish handling. Its teeth are sharp, so care should be taken to avoid cuts when handling live specimens or cleaning. No venomous spines.
Vergelijkbare soorten
Silver Hake
Merluccius bilinearis
Found in the Western Atlantic. European Hake has a more elongated body and typically larger scales. Silver Hake generally has a more pointed snout and smaller eyes relative to head size.
Cape Hake
Merluccius capensis
Found off the coast of Southern Africa. European Hake has a more slender body and typically fewer gill rakers. Genetic analysis is often required for definitive differentiation.
Pollock
Pollachius pollachius
Pollock has three dorsal fins and two anal fins, whereas European Hake has two dorsal fins and one anal fin. Pollock also has a more prominent lateral line and a smaller mouth.
Wetenschappelijke classificatie
- Rijk
- Animalia
- Stam
- Chordata
- Klasse
- Actinopterygii
- Orde
- Gadiformes
- Familie
- Merlucciidae
- Geslacht
- Merluccius
- Soort
- Merluccius merluccius
Ontdek European Hake
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