Common ling (Molva molva)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Molva molva
- Common name
- Common ling
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Lotidae
- Genus
- Molva
- Size
- 100–200 cm
- Depth
- 15–600 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, wreck
- Behaviours
- solitary, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic
Description
Molva molva reaches 2 m and 45 kg. Large ling (Gadidae, Lotidae) Northeast temperate boreal Atlantic with very elongated green-brown to yellow-brown body with distinct marbling, two dorsal fins (first short, second very long), chin barbel. Lives from 15 to 600 m on rocky drop-offs, wrecks and deep caves of Norway, Iceland, Northeast Atlantic, Mediterranean. Nocturnal ambush predator of fish and cephalopods. Important commercial fishery. Iconic wide-angle photo subject of Atlantic north wreck dives for imposing silhouette.
Photo of Common ling
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Common ling?
- Common ling (Molva molva) reaches 100–200 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Common ling?
- Common ling is found between 15–600 m deep.
- Is the Common ling dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Common ling?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Common ling?
- Found in: East Atlantic.
Other species in the genus Molva
Other species in the family Lotidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126461)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5214880)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia