Fin's Fish Guide
The Senegalese hake (Merluccius senegalensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Merlucciidae that grows up to 81 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over soft bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the upper slope.
Description
The Senegalese hake is a slender hake of the family Merlucciidae (hakes) reaching about 80 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 upper slope along the West African coast. 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 flesh it is an important commercial fish, but through heavy fishing the stock has declined sharply; the IUCN assesses it as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Senegalese hake?
The Senegalese 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; an important deep-water predator of the West African shelf.
Where does the Senegalese hake live?
The Senegalese hake lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over soft bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the upper slope.
How big does the Senegalese hake get?
The Senegalese hake grows to a maximum of about 81 cm. On average the species is around 42 cm.
Is the Senegalese hake dangerous to humans?
No, the Senegalese hake is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Senegalese hake edible?
Yes, the Senegalese hake is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Merluccius
More from the family Merlucciidae
Want the complete picture on the Senegalese hake?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Senegalese hake is one of 12,519 species in the app.