©Vivica von Vietinghoff/DMM

Ling

D-Leng; GB-Ling; DK-Lange; PL-Molwa; EST-Harilik molva; RU-Мольва; FIN-Molva; S-Långa

Characters

1) One long barbel on the chin.
2) First dorsal fin not thread-like elongated.
3) Pelvic fins jugular, not thread-like pointed.
●) Teeth partially big.
●) Body elongated.
●) Colour greenish-brownish.
Max. up to 200 cm length.

Similar species

Burbot - anterior nostril extended; no pores of lateral line visible on head (vs. well visible in ling); body intensely marmorated.

Fourbearded rockling - several barbels on snout; first dorsal fin very low, with a single extended fin ray.

Northern rockling - several barbels on snout; first dorsal fin very low, with a single extended fin ray.

Biology

Spawns between March and July. Young individuals live in free waters near the coast, while adults live near to the bottom in depths of 100 to 400 m.

Diet

Feeds on fish, as well as on squids, crustaceans and starfish.

Importance

Commercially strongly used as food fish; also liked by fishermen.

Endangerment

Locally endangered due to overfishing.