Fin's Fish Guide
The Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) is a saltwater fish of the family Gadidae that grows up to 130 cm.
Northeast Atlantic from Norway to Portugal, including the North Sea, above rocks, wrecks and mixed bottoms.
Description
The pollack is a slender cod relative of the family Gadidae reaching about 130 cm. The body is brown to olive with a golden tinge and a pale belly; typical are the three dorsal fins, the strongly projecting lower jaw, the absence of a chin barbel and the markedly curved lateral line. The species lives over rocks, wrecks and mixed bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea. Young pollack stay near the coast among weeds, older fish move to deeper water. As an active predator it hunts small fish, shrimps and crustaceans in schools. The pollack is a popular, hard-fighting sport fish and a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pollack?
The Pollack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Cod-like fish with three dorsal fins, a strongly projecting lower jaw, no chin barbel and a curved lateral line.
Where does the Pollack live?
The Pollack lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northeast Atlantic from Norway to Portugal, including the North Sea, above rocks, wrecks and mixed bottoms.
How big does the Pollack get?
The Pollack grows to a maximum of about 130 cm. On average the species is around 75 cm.
Is the Pollack dangerous to humans?
No, the Pollack is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pollack edible?
Yes, the Pollack is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Pollack 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 Pollachius
More from the family Gadidae
Want the complete picture on the Pollack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pollack is one of 12,519 species in the app.