Pollachius pollachius - Marine Life Encyclopedia

Pollachius pollachius (Linnaeus, 1758)

Pollack or Lythe

Pollachius pollachius

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: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database

Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Pollachius pollachius (Linnaeus, 1758). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZG2080 Accessed on 2025-01-16

[Show species list]

[Home]