Bib

D-Franzosendorsch; GB-Pouting, bib; DK-Skægtorsk; PL-Bielmik; EST-Harilik tursik; RU-Тресочка; FIN-Partaturska; S-Skäggtorsk

Characters

1) Slightly inferior mouth.
2) Long barbel present on chin.
3) Basis of pectoral fin with remarkable black spot.
4) First and second anal fin grown together (without space inbetween).
●) Three dorsal fins.
●) Body relatively high (more than 1,5-fold of heigth of head).
●) Body sides brownish, occasionally with pattern of dark stripes, abdomen white.
Often 15 to 20 cm, maximal up to 45 cm length.

Similar species

Poor cod - body more slender, less than 1,5-times the depth of head; only small black spot above basis of pectoral fin; bases of anal fins not touching each other.

Norway pout - body much more slender; only very small barbel on chin; only small black spot above basis of pectoral fin; basis of anal fins not touching each other; slightly superior mouth.

Cod - lateral line accentuated in white; clear distance between first and second anal fin.

Whiting - barbel very small or missing.

Biology

Lives near the coast up to 100 m, seldom up to 300 m depth; also advances into brackish waters. Mainly young fish gather together in big swarms; adults occasionally also live solitary.

Diet

Feeds on bottom-living invertebrates and small fish.

Importance

Processed to fish meal; in southern Europe used also as food fish.