Description: The pollack has a typical cod family shaped body with three dorsal and two anal fins. The first anal fin starts underneath the first dorsal fin and is much longer than the second anal fin. The lower jaw protrudes the upper jaw and unlike many members of the cod family, it lacks a chin barbel. The sides and head are a silvery colour whilst the back is greenish-brown. There is a distinctive curve in the lateral line above the pectoral fin region. Adult fish can grow to 1.3m in length but most are approximately 50cm.

Habitat: Shoals of pollack are often encountered in rocky areas or near wrecks, from the surface down to 200m depth.

Distribution: This species is common and widespread all around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: The pollack is similar to the coalfish (Pollachius virens) however it can be distinguished by the shape of its jaw and lateral line.

Key Identification Features:

• Large silver sided fish with three dorsal and two anal fins
• Lower jaw is longer than upper jaw
• Arching curve in lateral line above pectoral fin region
• No chin barbel

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

iNaturalist: Pollachius pollachius at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Pollachius pollachius at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Pollachius pollachius (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 126440.

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