Norway pout

D-Stintdorsch; GB-Norway pout; DK-Spærling; PL-Okowiel; EST-Norra tursik; RU-Тресочка Эсмарка; FIN-Harmaaturska; S-Vitlinglyra

Characters

1) Slightly superior mouth.
2) Very small barbel on chin present.
3) Basis of first and second anal fin separated (space in between).
●) Three dorsal fins.
●) Body slender.
●) Body sides silvern, back dark brownish, abdomen lighter.
Often 15 to 20 cm, maximal up to 25 cm length.

Similar species

Poor cod - slightly inferior mouth; long barbel on chin.

Bib - long barbel on chin; basis of pectoral fin with striking black spot; basis of anal fins touching each other; slightly inferior mouth.

Whiting - slightly inferior mouth.

Blue Whiting - large distance between second and third dorsal fin (almost touching each other in the Norway pout); first anal fin about 4-times as long as second dorsal fin.

Biology

In big swarms above soft grounds and in free waters in up to 200 m depth. Reproduction occurs in spring in deeper water layers.

Diet

Feeds on plankton-like crustaceans, occasionally on small fish.

Importance

Is processed to fish meal.