Pollachius virens

Pollachius virens, commonly known as the Atlantic pollock, is a species of ray-finned fish in the cod family. It is a marine, cold-water fish that is found in the northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean.

Description

The Atlantic pollock is a large fish, reaching up to 130 cm in length and weighing up to 21 kg. It has a streamlined body, a large head, and a pointed snout. The coloration varies from greenish or brownish on the back to silvery or white on the belly. The lateral line is white and strongly curved above the pectoral fins.

Distribution and habitat

The Atlantic pollock is native to the cold waters of the North Atlantic, including the Barents Sea, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and the waters around Iceland, Greenland, and Newfoundland. It prefers rocky bottoms and depths of 40 to 200 meters.

Diet

The diet of the Atlantic pollock consists mainly of crustaceans, squid, and small fish. It is a voracious predator and can consume large amounts of food in a short period of time.

Reproduction

The Atlantic pollock is a broadcast spawner, releasing its eggs and sperm into the water where fertilization occurs. The eggs float to the surface and hatch after 11 to 15 days. The larvae are planktonic and feed on zooplankton.

Economic importance

The Atlantic pollock is an important commercial fish, caught for its meat and fish oil. It is also popular in recreational fishing.

Conservation status

The Atlantic pollock is not currently considered threatened, but it is subject to overfishing. Measures are in place in many areas to manage the fishery and ensure the sustainability of the species.

See also

• Pollachius pollachius
• Fisheries management