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Haddock

Seguro

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Também conhecido como: Finnan Haddie, Scrod

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Descrição

Melanogrammus aeglefinus, commonly known as Haddock, is a marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Gadidae. It is a commercially important demersal fish found in the North Atlantic Ocean. Characterized by its distinctive black lateral line and a dark blotch above the pectoral fin, often referred to as 'St. Peter's mark' or 'thumbprint of God'. It is a relatively slender-bodied fish with three dorsal fins and two anal fins.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo
elongated
Coloração
Dorsal side is typically dark grey to brownish-grey, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. A prominent, distinct black lateral line runs along the body. A characteristic large, dark, oval-shaped blotch (often called the 'thumbprint' or 'St. Peter's mark') is present above each pectoral fin.
Tipo de escama
cycloid
Posição da boca
subterminal
Características distintivas
Prominent black lateral line, Large, dark 'thumbprint' blotch above pectoral fin, Small barbel on the chin, Three dorsal fins and two anal fins
Nadadeira dorsal
Three distinct dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is triangular and tall, the second and third are progressively lower and longer. Fin rays: D1 14-17, D2 20-24, D3 19-22.
Nadadeira caudal
Caudal fin is slightly forked.
Nadadeira peitoral
Pectoral fins are relatively long and pointed.
Nadadeiras características
Two distinct anal fins. Fin rays: A1 23-25, A2 20-24. Pelvic fins are small and located anterior to the pectoral fins.

Dicas de identificação

Lateral Line

Always black and clearly visible, distinguishing it from other cod-like fishes which often have a pale or white lateral line.

Pectoral Fin Blotch

The most definitive feature: a large, dark, oval-shaped blotch situated just above the pectoral fin. This 'thumbprint' is unique to haddock.

Chin Barbel

Possesses a small, short barbel on its chin, which is smaller than that of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua).

Dorsal Fins

Three distinct dorsal fins, with the first being noticeably taller and more triangular than the subsequent two.

Habitat

Tipo de água
saltwater
Profundidade
Typically found at depths ranging from 40 to 300 meters (130 to 980 feet), but can occur from 10 to 450 meters (33 to 1,480 feet). Prefers cooler waters.
Ambiente
Demersal, inhabiting soft bottoms (sand, gravel, shell, mud) on continental shelves and slopes. Juveniles may be found in shallower waters.
Distribuição geográfica
North Atlantic Ocean, including the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, North Sea, Icelandic waters, Greenland, and off the coasts of North America from Newfoundland to Cape Cod.

Informações sobre aquário

  • Nível de cuidado: expert
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Alimentação: carnivore
  • Tamanho mínimo do aquário: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specific environmental needs. Requires very large, specialized public aquarium setups.
  • Temperatura: 2°C - 10°C (36°F - 50°F)
  • Nível de pH: 7.8 - 8.4
  • Dureza da água: High (marine salinity)
  • Compatibilidade: Not typically kept in aquariums. In specialized public aquaria, compatibility would be with other large, cold-water marine species with similar environmental requirements.
  • Requisitos especiais: Requires extremely large, cold-water marine systems with strong filtration, high oxygenation, and specific substrate mimicking its natural benthic habitat. Not recommended for private aquarists.

Informações no ambiente natural

  • Estado de conservação: vulnerable
  • Sazonalidade: Available year-round, but peak fishing seasons can vary regionally. Spawning typically occurs from late winter to late spring.
  • Preço de mercado: Varies significantly by region, season, and processing (fresh, frozen, smoked). Generally a moderately priced whitefish.
  • Importância comercial: high
  • Sabor: Mild, slightly sweet, delicate flavor.
  • Textura: Flaky, firm, white flesh.
  • Métodos de preparo: Baking, Frying, Grilling, Poaching, Smoking (e.g., Finnan Haddie), Steaming
  • Valor nutricional: Excellent source of lean protein, Vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. Low in fat.

Fatos principais

St. Peter's Markinteresting

The distinctive black blotch above the pectoral fin is often referred to as 'St. Peter's mark' or 'thumbprint of God', stemming from a legend that St. Peter once caught a haddock and left his thumbprint on its side.

Demersal Lifestylebehavior

Haddock are primarily demersal fish, meaning they live and feed near the bottom of the sea, preferring soft substrates like sand, gravel, and mud.

Dietary Shiftbehavior

Juvenile haddock primarily feed on small crustaceans, while adults shift their diet to include a wider range of benthic invertebrates such as worms, mollusks, echinoderms, and occasionally small fish.

Commercial Importanceinteresting

Haddock is one of the most commercially important whitefish species in the North Atlantic, highly valued for its mild flavor and flaky texture, particularly in dishes like fish and chips and smoked haddock (Finnan Haddie).

Vulnerability Statusinteresting

Due to historical overfishing and environmental changes, many haddock stocks are classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN, highlighting the need for sustainable fishing practices.

Informações de segurança

Seguro
  • Nível de segurança: safe
  • Venenoso: Não
  • Comestibilidade: edible
  • Observações de manuseio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. Not venomous or dangerous.

Espécies similares

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Atlantic Cod has a pale or white lateral line, a much larger chin barbel, and typically a more mottled coloration without the distinct 'thumbprint' blotch.

Pollock (Saithe)

Pollachius virens

Pollock has a straight, pale lateral line, a more streamlined body, and lacks a chin barbel and the 'thumbprint' blotch. Its coloration is generally darker, often greenish-black.

Whiting

Merlangius merlangus

Whiting has a pale lateral line, a smaller mouth, and lacks a chin barbel. It also lacks the distinctive 'thumbprint' blotch.

Classificação científica

Reino
Animalia
Filo
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordem
Gadiformes
Família
Gadidae
Gênero
Melanogrammus
Espécie
Melanogrammus aeglefinus

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