Blue Whiting

D-Blauer Wittling; GB-Blue whiting; DK-Blåhvilling; PL-Błękitek, putasu; EST-Põhjaputassuu; RU-Северная путассу; FIN-Mustakitaturska; S-Kolmule

Characters

1) Lower jaw protruding slightly.
2) Large distance between second and third dorsal fin (at least as long as second dorsal fin).
3) First anal fin about 4-times as long as second dorsal fin; originates on same height as first dorsal fin.
●) Three dorsal and 2 anal fins.
●) Eye quite big (more than half of height of head).
●) Flanks light blue to white, back darker.
Often 20 to 30 cm, maximal up to 45 cm length.

Similar species

Whiting - second and third dorsal fin are touching each other; first anal fin only about 1,5-times as long as second dorsal fin.

Saithe - second and third dorsal fin are almost touching each other; first anal fin only slightly longer than second dorsal fin.

Pollack - second and third dorsal fin are almost touching each other; first anal fin only slightly longer than second dorsal fin.

Haddock - markedly inferior mouth; big black spot above middle of pectoral fin; first anal fin only slightly longer than second dorsal fin.

Biology

Lives in big swarms in free waters in 100 to 1000 m depth. Follows the daily rhythm of his food (plankton): during night ascending to the surface, during day time moving back down into deep waters.

Diet

Feeds mainly on free swimming crustaceans; rarely on small fish or squid.

Importance

Large amounts of Blue whiting is processed to fish meal.