Greenling

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Greenling
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
Missing taxonomy template ([//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?action=edit&title=Template:taxonomy/Hexagrammidae&preload=Template:Taxonomy/preload fix]):	Hexagrammidae
Species	Template:Taxonomy/Hexagrammidae Hexagrammidae
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Hexagrammidae Hexagrammidae

The greenling is a common name for a variety of fish species within the family Hexagrammidae, primarily found in the northern Pacific Ocean. This family includes several genera, such as Hexagrammos, Ophiodon, and Pleurogrammus, which are notable for their distinctive coloration and importance in both commercial and recreational fishing.

Description

Greenlings are medium-sized fish that can vary significantly in color, often depending on the species. They typically have elongated bodies and are well-adapted to rocky, subtidal environments. The diet of greenlings consists mainly of smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Habitat

Greenlings are found in the cold waters of the northern Pacific Ocean, ranging from California to Alaska and extending to the coasts of Russia and Japan. They prefer rocky bottoms and kelp forests, where they can find shelter and abundant food sources.

Species

Some of the notable species within the greenling family include:

• Hexagrammos decagrammus (Ten-spined greenling)
• Hexagrammos stelleri (Steller's greenling)
• Ophiodon elongatus (Lingcod) – Despite its name, the lingcod is not a true cod but a larger member of the greenling family.
• Pleurogrammus azonus (Atka mackerel)

Fishing and Culinary Use

Greenlings are popular targets for both commercial and sport fishing due to their size and the quality of their meat, which is considered flavorful and firm. They are often caught using hook and line, traps, and gillnets.

In culinary contexts, greenling is appreciated for its versatility and can be prepared in various ways, including frying, baking, and grilling. It is also a common feature in the cuisines of indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest.

Conservation

While some species of greenling are abundant, others face threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. Conservation efforts are in place to manage fishery practices and protect habitat areas critical to the survival of these species.

See Also

• Fisheries management
• Marine conservation