Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) is a saltwater fish of the family Merlucciidae that grows up to 76 cm.
Western Atlantic off the east coast of North America, on the continental shelf and the continental slope.
Description
The silver hake is a slender, cod-like predator reaching about 76 cm. The streamlined body has a large mouth with sharp teeth; the true hakes (Merluccius) have two dorsal fins, while in the phycid hakes (Urophycis) the front pelvic-fin ray is drawn out into a thread used as a feeler on the bottom. The species lives close to the bottom of the continental shelf and slope of the western Atlantic. There it hunts, mainly at night, fish, crustaceans and squid. Eggs and larvae drift in open water. With its tasty flesh it is an important commercial fish in the north-west Atlantic fishery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silver hake?
The Silver hake has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender, cod-like predator with a large mouth; the front ray of the pectoral or pelvic fin is often elongated into a thread as a feeler.
Where does the Silver hake live?
The Silver hake lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic off the east coast of North America, on the continental shelf and the continental slope.
How big does the Silver hake get?
The Silver hake grows to a maximum of about 76 cm. On average the species is around 37 cm.
Is the Silver hake dangerous to humans?
No, the Silver hake is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Silver hake edible?
Yes, the Silver hake is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Merluccius
More from the family Merlucciidae
Want the complete picture on the Silver hake?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver hake is one of 12,519 species in the app.