Fin's Fish Guide
The Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gadidae that grows up to 92 cm.
Northeast Atlantic from Iceland to Portugal, including the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the western Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The whiting is a slender cod relative of the family Gadidae reaching about 90 cm but usually around 30 cm. The streamlined body is silvery-grey with a yellow-brown back and carries, typical of the cod family, three dorsal fins and two anal fins; usually there is a dark spot at the pectoral-fin base and the chin barbel is virtually absent. The species lives in schools over mixed bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic, from shallow water to about 200 metres. It is an active hunter of shrimps, small fish and worms. Young whiting often shelter among the tentacles of jellyfish. The whiting is a much-caught food fish with soft, lean flesh.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whiting?
The Whiting has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender cod-like fish with three dorsal fins and two anal fins, usually a dark blotch at the pectoral fin base and hardly any or no chin barbel.
Where does the Whiting live?
The Whiting lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northeast Atlantic from Iceland to Portugal, including the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the western Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Whiting get?
The Whiting grows to a maximum of about 92 cm. On average the species is around 24 cm.
Is the Whiting dangerous to humans?
No, the Whiting is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Whiting edible?
Yes, the Whiting is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Whiting and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
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 Whiting is one of 12,519 species in the app.