Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue whiting (Merluccius australis) is a saltwater fish of the family Merlucciidae that grows up to 155 cm.
Cold waters around southern South America and New Zealand; shelf and slope.
Description
The southern hake is a hake (Merlucciidae) from the cold waters around southern South America and New Zealand. The species has an elongate, silvery-grey body with a large mouth full of sharp teeth and two dorsal fins. It lives on the continental shelf and slope, in New Zealand waters between about 415 and 1000 m and in South American waters between 62 and 800 m depth. As a predator it hunts fishes, squid and crustaceans. It is an important commercial fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue whiting?
The Blue whiting has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, toothed mouth; deepwater hake of the southern hemisphere, important commercial fish.
Where does the Blue whiting live?
The Blue whiting lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Cold waters around southern South America and New Zealand; shelf and slope.
How big does the Blue whiting get?
The Blue whiting grows to a maximum of about 155 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Blue whiting dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue whiting is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue whiting edible?
Yes, the Blue whiting is commonly eaten.
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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 Blue whiting?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue whiting is one of 12,519 species in the app.