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Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) — Merlucciidae

Argentine hake

Merluccius hubbsi
Family: Merlucciidae

The Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) is a saltwater fish of the family Merlucciidae that grows up to 95 cm.

Length
95 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
50.0–800.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southwest Atlantic, along Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil.
Edibility
Highly prized

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Description

The Argentine hake is a commercially very important fish of the family Merlucciidae from the southwestern Atlantic, along the coast of Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil. The species reaches about 95 cm and has an elongate, silvery-grey body with a large, toothed mouth. Adults live on the continental shelf, mainly at 100 to 200 m deep. Larger fish prey on fishes such as anchovies and hake, on squid and on macrozooplankton, while smaller specimens eat mysids and amphipods. The species is one of the most important target species of the fishery in the region.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Argentine hake?

The Argentine hake has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. One of the most important commercial fishes of the south-western Atlantic.

Where does the Argentine hake live?

The Argentine hake lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southwest Atlantic, along Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil.

How big does the Argentine hake get?

The Argentine hake grows to a maximum of about 95 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.

Is the Argentine hake dangerous to humans?

No, the Argentine hake is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Argentine hake edible?

Yes, the Argentine hake is a highly prized food fish.

More photos

Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) — Merlucciidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — diogoluiz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) — Merlucciidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Pablopayetta (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Argentine hake verified
Scientific name
Merluccius hubbsi
Family
Merlucciidae
Other names
Argentine hake; Atlantic hake; South-West Atlantic; Southwest Atlantic hake; South Atlantic hake verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
95.0 verified
Average length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
50.0 verified
Max depth (m)
800.0 verified
Natural range
Southwest Atlantic, along Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Fishes (anchovy, hake), squid and macrozooplankton sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
6.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
One of the most important commercial fishes of the south-western Atlantic. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Merluccius

More from the family Merlucciidae

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