Merlucciidae

The Merlucciidae are a family of cod-like marine fish, commonly known as hake, whiting, and ling. They are found in temperate and cold waters of both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Hake are important commercially, with several species being fished extensively worldwide.

European hake – Merluccius merluccius

Characteristics

Hake have elongated bodies with a slightly compressed head and a pointed snout. They typically have a single dorsal fin, a single anal fin, and a forked caudal fin. They are generally silvery in color, often with a darker back and a lighter belly. The species of hake vary in size, with some reaching lengths of over 2 meters. Hake are generally carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Environments

Hake are found in a variety of environments, including the continental shelf, slopes, and deep waters. They prefer bottom-dwelling habitats with a sandy or muddy substrate. Some species, such as the European hake (Merluccius merluccius), are demersal, meaning they live near the bottom of the ocean. Others, like the Pacific hake (Merluccius productus), are more pelagic, spending time in the water column.

Species

There are about 20 species of hake in the family Merlucciidae, which are divided into three genera:

  • Merluccius
  • Macruronus
  • Dissostichus (this genus includes the toothfish, not commonly referred to as "hake")

Commercial Importance

Hake are an important commercial fish, with their flesh being prized for its mild flavor and flaky texture. Hake is often sold as fillets or as part of fish and chips. The fishing industry targets several species of hake, including the European hake, the Pacific hake, and the Cape hake (Merluccius capensis). Some hake species are overfished due to excessive fishing pressure, leading to concerns about stock sustainability.

References

For further information on Merlucciidae, consult these reliable sources: