Fin's Fish Guide
The White hake (Urophycis tenuis) is a saltwater fish of the family Phycidae that grows up to 133 cm.
Western Atlantic off the east coast of North America, on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and the continental slope.
Description
The white hake is a slender, cod-like predator reaching about 133 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 White hake?
The White 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 White hake live?
The White 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 soft bottoms of the continental shelf and the continental slope.
How big does the White hake get?
The White hake grows to a maximum of about 133 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the White hake dangerous to humans?
No, the White hake is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the White hake edible?
Yes, the White hake is commonly 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 White hake?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White hake is one of 12,519 species in the app.