Fourbearded rockling

D-Vierbärtelige Seequappe; GB-Fourbeard rockling; DK-Firtrådet havkvabbe; PL-Motela; LT-Keturūsė vėgėlė; LV-Jūrasvēdzele; EST-Nelipoiseluts; RU-Chetyrekhusyi nalim; FIN-Neliviiksimade; S-Fyrtömmad skärlånga

Characters

1) Three barbels present on snout and one barbel on the chin.
2) First dorsal fin with long finray, which is longer than the finrays of the second dorsal fin.
3) Dark spot present in caudal area of second dorsal fin and anal fin.
●) Body elongated.
Often 30 to 35 cm, maximal up to 40 cm length.

Similar species

Northern rockling - four barbels on the snout and one on the chin; fins without dark spots.

Ling - only one barbel on the chin, without barbels on the snout.

Burbot - only one barbel on the chin, without barbels on the snout.

Biology

Lives over muddy grounds in up to 650 m depth. Is nocturnal and can become up to 9 years old. Spawning season from May to August.

Diet

Feeds mainly on crustaceans.

Importance

Often ends up as by-catch in trawl nets, without commercial use.