European hake (Merluccius merluccius)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Merluccius merluccius
- Common name
- European hake
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Merlucciidae
- Genus
- Merluccius
- Size
- 40–140 cm
- Depth
- 30–1000 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand, open-water
- Behaviours
- solitary, nocturnal, predator
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Merluccius merluccius reaches 1.4 m. Elongated silver body with a large flattened head, powerful jaws armed with sharp teeth. Characteristic black mouth lining. Lives on sand-mud bottoms from 30 to 1000 m. Nocturnal predator of small pelagic fish. Pillar of European fisheries, overexploited in many areas, classified Vulnerable. Rarely seen on recreational dives due to depth.
Photo of European hake
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European hake?
- European hake (Merluccius merluccius) reaches 40–140 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European hake?
- European hake is found between 30–1000 m deep.
- Is the European hake dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European hake?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the European hake?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Haemulon flavolineatum - French grunt
- Haemulon sciurus - Bluestriped grunt
- Haemulon plumierii - White grunt
- Haemulon parra - Sailor's choice
- Carcharhinus melanopterus - Blacktip reef shark
- Hippocampus guttulatus - Long-snouted seahorse
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126484)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2415643)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia