Description: Whiting have an elongated body and pointed snout with an overbite, reaching up to 70 cm in length. There are 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. The upper surface of the back is blue-green while the underside is a paler silver. The lateral line has a brown colouration and is visible along the side of the fish. There is usually a small dark spot behind each pectoral fin.

Habitat: Usually above sandy or muddy sediment between 30 - 100 m.

Distribution: Common off all coasts around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other species from Gadidae family.

Key Identification Features:

• 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins.
• Brown lateral line.
• Small dark spot behind each pectoral fin.

Distribution Map from NBN: Merlangius merlangus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Merlangius merlangus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Merlangius merlangus

WoRMS: Merlangius merlangus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Merlangius merlangus (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 126438.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Gadiformes; Gadidae; Merlangius