Fin's Fish Guide
The Benguela hake (Merluccius polli) is a saltwater fish of the family Merlucciidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over soft bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the upper slope.
Description
The Benguela hake is a slender hake of the family Merlucciidae (hakes) reaching about 80 cm. The streamlined, silvery-grey body has two dorsal fins, a long anal fin and a large mouth full of sharp teeth. The species lives over soft bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and upper slope along the West African coast. By day it stays close to the bottom; at night it moves higher in the water column to hunt schooling fish, squid and crustaceans in shoals. With its white, tasty flesh the Benguela hake is one of the most important commercial fish of the West African trawl fishery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Benguela hake?
The Benguela hake has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver-grey hake with a large mouth full of sharp teeth; an important deep-water predator of West Africa.
Where does the Benguela hake live?
The Benguela hake lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over soft bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the upper slope.
How big does the Benguela hake get?
The Benguela hake grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Benguela hake dangerous to humans?
No, the Benguela hake is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Benguela hake edible?
Yes, the Benguela hake is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Merluccius
More from the family Merlucciidae
Want the complete picture on the Benguela hake?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Benguela hake is one of 12,519 species in the app.