Fin's Fish Guide
The Pouting (Trisopterus luscus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gadidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, including the North Sea, on mixed bottoms and near wrecks and reefs.
Description
The pouting is a deep-bodied, copper-coloured cod relative of the family Gadidae reaching about 46 cm. The stout body is brown with a coppery sheen and often four to five faint dark cross-bars; typical are the three dorsal fins, the long chin barbel and a dark spot at the pectoral-fin base. The species lives in schools over mixed bottoms and around wrecks, reefs and piers of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the western Mediterranean. Mainly at night it hunts shrimps, crabs, worms and small fish. The pouting bites readily and is therefore a popular fish for shore and wreck fishing; the flesh, however, spoils quickly and is best eaten fresh.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pouting?
The Pouting has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep-bodied, coppery little codfish with three dorsal fins, a long chin barbel and often four to five dark vertical bars; a dark blotch at the pectoral fin base.
Where does the Pouting live?
The Pouting lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, including the North Sea, on mixed bottoms and near wrecks and reefs.
How big does the Pouting get?
The Pouting grows to a maximum of about 46 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Pouting dangerous to humans?
No, the Pouting is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pouting edible?
Yes, the Pouting is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Pouting 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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pouting is one of 12,519 species in the app.