Fin's Fish Guide
The Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii) is a saltwater fish of the family Gadidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, in shoals close to the bottom of the continental shelf.
Description
The Norway pout is a small cod relative of the family Gadidae reaching about 35 cm. The slender, brownish-silver body has large eyes, a projecting lower jaw with a small chin barbel and the three separate dorsal fins typical of the cod family. The species lives in large schools close to the bottom of the continental shelf of the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea. In open water above the bottom it feeds on zooplankton, mainly small crustaceans, and small fish. It spawns in winter and early spring. The Norway pout is not much eaten directly, but it is an important prey for larger fish, seabirds and marine mammals and the basis of a large industrial fishery for fishmeal.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Norway pout?
The Norway pout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small cod-like fish with large eyes, a projecting lower jaw with a small chin barbel and the three dorsal fins typical of the family.
Where does the Norway pout live?
The Norway pout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, in shoals close to the bottom of the continental shelf.
How big does the Norway pout get?
The Norway pout grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 19 cm.
Is the Norway pout dangerous to humans?
No, the Norway pout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Norway pout edible?
The Norway pout is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Norway pout and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trisopterus
More from the family Gadidae
Want the complete picture on the Norway pout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Norway pout is one of 12,519 species in the app.