Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted hake (Urophycis regia) is a saltwater fish of the family Phycidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Western Atlantic along the coast of North America, on sand and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and in estuaries.
Description
The spotted hake is a slender cod-relative of the family Phycidae reaching about 43 cm. The brownish, soft body has a small barbel under the chin, a long second dorsal and anal fin and a few elongate, threadlike rays in the first dorsal fin. A conspicuous row of pale spots runs along the dark lateral line. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and in estuaries along the American Atlantic coast. Mainly at night it searches the bottom with its barbel for shrimp, small fish and other crustaceans. It is caught mostly as bycatch and is locally a modest food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted hake?
The Spotted hake has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Slender cod-like fish with a small chin barbel and thread-like first dorsal fin rays; the lateral line bears a row of pale spots.
Where does the Spotted hake live?
The Spotted hake lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic along the coast of North America, on sand and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and in estuaries.
How big does the Spotted hake get?
The Spotted hake grows to a maximum of about 43 cm. On average the species is around 17 cm.
Is the Spotted hake dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted hake is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotted hake edible?
The Spotted hake is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Urophycis
More from the family Phycidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted hake?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted hake is one of 12,519 species in the app.