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Brismak (Brosme brosme) — Lotidae

Brismak

Brosme brosme
Family: Lotidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Brismak (Brosme brosme) is a saltwater fish of the family Lotidae that grows up to 120 cm.

Length
120 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
18.0–1000.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The cusk is an elongate bottom fish of the family Lotidae reaching about 120 cm. Unlike many relatives it has a single long, continuous dorsal fin and one anal fin, both edged in white, plus a single chin barbel. The back is dark red- or green-brown fading to a pale belly, while juveniles show yellow cross-bands. Cusk live solitarily or in small groups on rocky and gravel bottoms of the northern Atlantic at depths of 18 to 1000 m, feeding on crustaceans, shellfish, flatfishes and starfish. It is a valued food fish, taken mainly on long lines and in trawls.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brismak?

The Brismak has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Brismak live?

The Brismak lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Brismak get?

The Brismak grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.

Is the Brismak dangerous to humans?

No, the Brismak is harmless to humans.

Is the Brismak edible?

Yes, the Brismak is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Lom sourced
English name
Brismak verified
Scientific name
Brosme brosme
Family
Lotidae
Other names
Cusk; Moonfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
120.0 verified
Average length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded sourced
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
18.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1000.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Solitary verified
Territorial
No verified
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified
levensduur_max_jaar
20.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten verified
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Lotidae

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