Fin's Fish Guide
The Offshore silver hake (Merluccius albidus) is a saltwater fish of the family Merlucciidae that grows up to 41 cm.
Western Atlantic from the east coast of North America to the Caribbean Sea, over soft bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the slope.
Description
The offshore silver hake is a slender hake of the family Merlucciidae (hakes) reaching about 70 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 slope of the western Atlantic, from the east coast of North America to the Caribbean. 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 offshore silver hake is a valued commercial fish for the trawl fishery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Offshore silver hake?
The Offshore silver 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; a deep-water predator of the western Atlantic slope.
Where does the Offshore silver hake live?
The Offshore silver hake lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the east coast of North America to the Caribbean Sea, over soft bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the slope.
How big does the Offshore silver hake get?
The Offshore silver hake grows to a maximum of about 41 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Offshore silver hake dangerous to humans?
No, the Offshore silver hake is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Offshore silver hake edible?
Yes, the Offshore silver hake is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Merluccius
More from the family Merlucciidae
Want the complete picture on the Offshore silver hake?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Offshore silver hake is one of 12,519 species in the app.